Coagulopathy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Coagulopathy: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

If you have coagulopathy, you are suffering from a bleeding disorder resulting in abnormal blood clotting. It can become a problem because the blood clots are unstable and can dissolve too quickly. Many people have this disorder but are unaware of it, which is why it is so important to learn the risks and ways of preventing or treating coagulopathy.”

What is Coagulopathy?

Coagulopathy is a medical condition where coagulation within the blood is disturbed, leading to a potential risk of bleeding from damaged blood vessels. Coagulation is a defence mechanism of the body that prevents excessive bleeding or clotting due to minor injuries. Typically it is known as impaired clot formation.

When combined with blood platelets, coagulation prevents spontaneous bleeding caused by cuts, scratches, burns, bruises, and even internal injuries. 

Numerous disease states impair hemostasis (normal blood clotting), including thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), elevated D-dimer level (poor fibrin clot), consumption coagulopathy (bleeding disorder), hypofibrinogenemia (the reduced ability of the body to make fibrin), and unusual coagulant activity among others.

Causes of Coagulopathy

Coagulopathy is a condition caused by a dysfunction in the blood’s ability to clot. While the most common cause of coagulopathy is a lack of vitamin K, many other states also cause this disorder in the body. Some of the genetic problems, such as 

  • Inherited hemophilia A or B
  • Protein C and S deficiency
  • Factor II, V, VII, X, XII deficiency
  • Inherited bleeding disorders such as von Willebrand’s disease

Among the other factors are chronic illness, infections, and certain medicines, like heparin and warfarin. Viral infections and liver disease can also cause this condition. 

Symptoms of Coagulopathy

An injury, surgery, or another incident can cause excessive bleeding that is related to coagulopathy. Excessive bleeding may be observed in the mouth, nose, or from a cut. Additional symptoms may suggest that blood is flowing to the brain, internal organs, or joints. Depending on the cause of the coagulopathy, the symptoms can vary drastically.

Some of its most apparent signs and symptoms are as follows:

  • Bleeding after childbirth or abnormal menstruation 
  • Bleeding gums and mouth
  • Swelling and redness on the body
  • Newborns with bleeding on the umbilical stump
  • The tendency to bleed or bruise easily
  • Frequently bleeding from the nos

Symptoms of coagulopathy following injury

Coagulopathy decreases the blood’s ability to clot. During an injury or accident, bleeding can be expected, but extreme or extensive bleeding is a sign of coagulopathy. Excessive or extensive bleeding may happen after:

  • Dental procedures
  • Minor trauma or cut
  • Receiving an injection (shot)
  • Surgery

Symptoms of joint bleeding caused by coagulopathy

Coagulopathy may create bleeding in your elbows, knees, or other joints. The following symptoms may mean that bleeding is happening in your joints:

  • Joint feels hot
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint tightness
  • Reduced movement 

Serious symptoms which are life-threatening condition

Coagulopathy may produce bleeding in your brain or internal organs, which can be life-threatening. Call us or visit us immediately if you or someone from your friends or family is facing any of these life-threatening symptoms of internal bleeding including:

  • Bloody urine (hematuria)
  • Bloody stool (the blood may be red, black, or tarry in texture)
  • Confusion or loss of consciousness
  • Convulsions or seizures
  • Difficulty in walking and conversing, memory loss.
  • Lack of sight or changes in vision
  • Repeated vomitings

Treatment of Coagulopathy 

A treatment plan is chosen based on the type and severity of the coagulation disorder and the individual’s general health. Treatment will usually aim to alleviate symptoms and limit complications. Medication recommendations may include;

  • Blood clot-preventing medications 
  • The use of contraceptive pills during menstruation to prevent excessive bleeding 
  • Vit K supplements
  • Protein-based medicine that prevents excessive bleeding in the blood

Can Coagulopathy Cause Death?

Coagulopathy is a term used to describe a condition of impaired blood coagulation. The cause of this condition can vary, but these all have in common a depletion of clotting factors and a slowing of clotting time, resulting in a body that cannot stop bleeding correctly.

Worse, though, since coagulopathy tends to be unpredictable, it can cause massive bleeding that could lead to death if left untreated.

Coagulopathy can be a life-threatening problem. Although the severity of this condition varies from person to person, it is a severe medical condition that requires immediate attention. It’s best to have a long-term solution instead of controlling the symptoms for short-term or temporary relief.