Albinism is of a group of inherited disorders characterized by a congenital reduction or absence of melanin pigment due to defective production of melanin from tyrosine. An estimated 1 in 17,000 people have one of the types of albinism. Oculocutaneous albinism is the most common type of albinism Both males and females can be affected. […]
Diseases
Acquired Hemophilia – Causes and Treatment
Acquired hemophilia is a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by bleeding that occurs in patients with a personal and family history negative for hemorrhages. In acquired hemophilia, the body produces antibodies [also known as inhibitors] that attack clotting factors, most often factor VIII. The affected individuals develop complications associated with abnormal, uncontrolled bleeding into the muscles, […]
Hemophilia C Presentation and Treatment
Hemophilia C refers to the deficiency of factor XI which results in bleeding tendencies. Hemophilia C is also known as plasma thromboplastin antecedent (PTA) deficiency or Rosenthal syndrome. It is a mild form of hemophilia affecting both sexes. It is predominantly known to occur in Jewish people of Ashkenazi descent. It is the fourth most […]
Hemophilia B – Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Hemophilia B is a disorder resulting in deficiency of functional plasma coagulation factor IX. It could be inherited as X-linked, recessive condition or occur following spontaneous mutation. Acquired immunologic processes can also result in this disorder. The incidence of hemophilia B is estimated to be approximately 1 case per 25,000-30,000 male births. Hemophilia B is […]
Hemophilia A Causes, Presentation and Treatment
Hemophilia A is an X-linked, recessive disorder caused by deficiency of clotting factor VIII. It may be inherited or arise from spontaneous mutation. The development of inhibitory antibodies to factor VIII can result in acquired hemophilia A or can complicate the treatment of genetic cases. Depending on the level of factor VIII activity, patients with hemophilia may […]
Hemostasis Mechanism and Regulation
Hemostasis is a process that attempts to stop the bleeding and keep blood within a damaged blood vessel. Hemostasis involves three steps Vasoconstriction Temporary blockage of a break by a platelet plug Blood coagulation, or formation of a fibrin clot that seals the hole until tissue repair. Blood coagulation and platelet-mediated hemostasis are the two […]
Autologous Blood Transfusion Indications and Types
Autologous transfusion means collection and reinfusion of the patient’s own red blood cells. This is in contrast to allogenic blood transfusion where blood from unrelated/anonymous donors is transfused to the recipient. Need for Autologous Blood Transfusion Transfusion is important part of modern medical practice. However, the safety of the procedure is a great concern. Allogeneic […]
Hemolytic Disease of Newborn
Hemolytic disease of newborn an condition that develops in a fetus, when the maternal antibodies pass through the placenta and attack antigens on the red blood cells in the fetal circulation, breaking down and destroying the cells. The condition of fetus could be from mild to very severe, and fetal death from heart failure (hydrops […]
Blood Transfusion Indications and Procedure
Blood transfusion is generally the process of infusing blood or blood products into one’s circulation intravenously. Globally around 85 million units of red blood cells are transfused in a given year. Blood transfusion is indicated for replacing lost components of the blood. Earlier whole blood was transfused but the modern practice is to only components […]
Blood Substitutes
Blood substitutes or artificial blood or blood surrogates are substances used to carry out some functions of biological blood. The term blood substitute is also used with volume expanders but their scope is different. The better term for them is plasma substitutes and they are discussed later. The use of oxygen-carrying blood substitutes is often called oxygen […]