Spectrum of hemostatic disorders in Indian females presenting with bleeding manifestations

Introduction: Hemostatic disorders are often missed in women with bleeding particularly menorrhagia. Preexisting hemostatic disorders are now known as common risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage and prolonged bleeding in puerperium. Females with bleeding complaints constitute an important population referred to hematology clinic. Hence, we aim to evaluate the type and frequency of hemostatic disorders among females presenting with bleeding in a tertiary care hospital and a basic hemostatic laboratory.

Methods: Three-year data were retrospectively analyzed for 200 females with various bleeding complaints. Due to resource constraints, a hemostatic workup was done with prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen assay, clot solubility test, mixing studies, specific factor assays, platelet function test, and von Willebrand factor antigen level.

Results: A total of 200 females were investigated to identify the cause of their bleeding. Thirty-five of 200 (17.5%) females were found with an underlying bleeding disorder. Of these 35 females, 65.7% presented with bleeding from more than 1 site. Most common bleeding manifestation was spontaneous bruising in 18 of 35 (51.4%) patients followed by petechiae (48.6%). Inherited bleeding disorders were noted in majority. The most common inherited bleeding disorder identified was von Willebrand disease (VWD) in 34.3% females. Second most common disorder was Glanzmann's thrombasthenia accounting for 22.8%. Rare coagulation factor deficiency, such as factors VII, X, and XIII deficiencies, was noted. Three cases revealed acquired causes of coagulation defects.

Conclusion: Underlying hemostatic defects should be searched for in women with unexplained bleeding complaints. This will not only help in diagnosis but also in proper management for future hemostatic challenges.