Blood Dyscrasia Hematologic problems y y y Diseases of the blood-forming organs.

In most cases, this involves diseases of the bone marrow, but it might also involve the spleen and/or the liver. The term "dyscrasia" originated in earlier medical "science" and referred to the "four humors." It has come to mean simply "disease" or "pathological condition." Thus, blood dyscrasia is a pathological condition of the blood, usually involving disorders of the cellular elements of the blood. Generally, there are 1-3 of these symptoms: 1. Bleeding problems due to poorly functioning platelets or decreased platelets, or loss of certain body proteins called "clotting factors" 2. Weakness or pale skin color due to poorly functioning red blood cells or decreased numbers of red blood cells 3. Frequent infections due to poorly functioning white blood cells or decreased numbers of white blood cells y Symptoms associated with the following common blood dyscrasias (for in-depth discussions of specific diseases, see the title headings): 1. Diseases of platelets:  ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) -- sudden onset of small and large bleeding points in the skin; often following a virus infection, or aspirin use.  Sometimes, there are Nosebleedsor bleeding gums.  TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) -- anemia, fever, and bleeding as in ITP 2. Diseases of clotting factors:  Hemophilia -- significant bleeding during circumcision, bleeding into the joints and muscles, easy bruising, significant bleeding during surgery  Von Willebrand's Disease -- frequently, a history of familial bleeding tendency; bleeding gums,Nosebleeds, easy bruising 3. Diseases of red blood cells:  Sickle cell anemia -- early symptoms are severe, recurrent episodes of abdominal pain; bleeding into the joints; and enlargement of the spleen. 4. Diseases of white blood cells:  Leukemia -- early signs and symptoms are anemia, bleeding tendency, bone pain, and serious infection. y y y There are genetic causes, which are determined by family background. There are also diseases that occur from mutation in one's genes, or infection, or from unknown causes. A wide range of diseases of platelets, clotting factors, red blood cells, and white blood cells all fall under this category. Each one has different method of diagnosis, discussed in detail under the individual disease headings (see ITP, TTP,Hemophilia, Von Willebrand's Disease, sickle cell anemia, and Leukemia). Family members with one of these blood dyscrasias: 1. Serious viral infection 2. Serious bacterial infection 3. Ancestors from certain countries or certain parts of the world y y y y Dependent on the particular disease Steroids may be of benefit. Replacement of the missing factor, such as red blood cells or platelets, might be used. ITP: complications include bleeding into a critical body part such as a major organ.

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TTP: complications are generally the same as ITP. Hemophilia: complications include bleeding into various joints, bleeding into the brain, and hemorrhage into the intestinal tract. Von Willebrand's Disease: complications are recurring Nosebleeds and heavy menstrual periods. More serious cases of this disease may have more serious bleeding, such as bleeding into a joint. Sickle cell anemia: complications includeSepsis, painful crises (blood clots inside various blood vessels), aplastic crises (the bone marrow stops forming new blood elements), and stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Leukemia : complications include bleeding into a critical body part, such as a major organ; serious infections; and DIC. (See DIC, i.e., disseminated intravascular coagulation). Usually, the physician will order a complete series of blood tests, depending upon the symptoms presented, and medical and family history. Some of the above conditions and complications are quite serious and may warrant immediate medical attention, so don't delay if you suspect any of the blood dyscrasias. Normal people who bruise easily

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Causes and Treatment BY ADMIN Blood Dyscrasias is a condition which occurs when one part of the blood is not present in the normal supply and it is usually referred to as a blood disorder. This condition may occur when different constituents of blood like white blood or red blood cells and platelets are either high or too low in counts. The condition of blood dyscrasias mainly occurs when there is an abnormal function of blood and its components. Types of Blood Dyscrasias y y y y y There are different types of this condition and Von Willebrands disease is one such condition that occurs when blood clots due to supply of poor amounts of proteins. Hemophilia is another condition that occurs due the blood clotting diseases which affects the platelets. Thrombocytopenia is a condition known for low platelet count and can cause a serious decrease in platelet production. This condition can result in excessive bleeding at times. Anemia is another condition which is painful and occurs in red blood cells. This condition usually affects children. Hemorrhaging is a condition caused due to low red blood cells or mild anemia. This condition is caused as a result of serious bleeding.

Symptoms of Blood Dyscrasias Pale skin color, weakness, decreased number of red blood cells, frequent infections due to decreased number of white blood cells are symptoms of blood dyscrasias. Symptoms of blood dyscrasias caused due to specific diseases are: y y y y Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura(ITP) which causes sudden small and large bleeding points on the skin. Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura which causes symptoms like bleeding and anemia. Sometimes, symptoms like bleeding gums and nose bleeds are caused due to the disease Von Willebrand. Symptoms caused due to Hemophilia are bleeding in joints, significant bleeding during circumcision or during a surgery and easy bruising. Causes of Blood Dyscrasias The causes include: y y y Genetic causes determined by family background can cause blood dyscrasias. Diseases that occur due to infection or from mutation in ones genes can cause the condition of blood dyscrasias. Decreased platelets, poor functioning of platelets or loss of clotting factors cause bleeding problems.

Treatment y y Treatment for blood dyscrasias includes chemotherapy, medicines, transfusion of blood products and bone marrow transplant at times. In some cases of blood dyscrasias, steroids may be of great help. Replacement of platelets, red or white blood cells will be helpful. Varying Blood Dyscrasias Symptoms There are some varying blood dyscrasias symptoms and you would find that these symptoms are usually because of the shortage of a particular component in blood. Generally, dyscrasias definition means an imbalance in mixture and blood dyscrasias translates into a bad composition of the blood mixture.In a nutshell, the condition of blood dyscrasias means that there is some problem with the composition of the blood and a particular component is either short or is present in large amounts. Both these cases are dangerous for the body and you need to take steps to ensure that the blood dyscrasias condition remains under control and no adverse effects are exerted on the body. There are different types of blood diseaseswhich are associated with the presence of blood dyscrasias and some of them, along with the related symptoms, are mentioned here. Common Blood Diseases Here is a list of some common blood diseases and their link with the condition of blood dyscrasias. Starting with the platelets, thrombocytopenia is a condition which is also known as a low platelet count. A lower platelet count can translate into a lot of problems and you would find that surgical procedures tend to be quite risky due to the presence of this condition. Delayed blood clotting is a direct symptom of this condition and this can be a hindrance in the regular functions of the body. Next up, we have the problems associated with white blood cells and red blood cells. Leukemia and sickle cell anemia are some common blood diseases which can set in due to blood dyscrasias. The condition of blood dyscrasias translates into a lack of the proper amount of any of these mentioned components and this can lead to several different diseases which might exhibit different blood dyscrasias symptoms. Treating Blood Dyscrasias For treating blood dyscrasias, you simply have to highlight the major condition and treat the imbalance in the body. However, in the severe cases of blood dyscrasias, you might have to go for a complete blood transfusion. Further still, you might have to consider a bone marrow transplant as this would take care of the condition of blood dyscrasias completely. The important aspect here is the quicker determination of blood dyscrasias symptoms and the assessment of the condition in the earliest stage, to affect a quicker treatment and recovery. BLOOD DYSCRASIA a.k.a. HEMATOLOGIC PROBLEM  Diseases of the blood-forming organs. In most cases, this involves diseases of the bone marrow, but it might also involve the spleen and/or the liver.  The term "dyscrasia" originated in earlier medical "science" and referred to the "four humors." It has come to mean simply "disease" or "pathological condition".  Thus, blood dyscrasia is a pathological condition of the blood, usually involving disorders of the cellular elements of the blood. SYMPTOMS: 1. Bleeding problems due to poorly functioning platelets or decreased platelets, or loss of certain body proteins called "clotting factors". 2. Weakness or pale skin color due to poorly functioning red blood cells or decreased numbers of red blood cells. 3. Frequent infections due to poorly functioning white blood cells or decreased numbers of white blood cells. y Symptoms associated with the following common blood dyscrasias (for in-depth discussions of specific diseases, see the title headings): 1. Diseases of platelets:  ITP (Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) -- sudden onset of small and large bleeding points in the skin; often following a virus infection, or aspirin use.  Sometimes, there are Nosebleedsor bleeding gums.  TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura) -- anemia, fever, and bleeding as in ITP 2. Diseases of clotting factors:  Hemophilia -- significant bleeding during circumcision, bleeding into the joints and muscles, easy bruising, significant bleeding during surgery

Von Willebrand's Disease -- frequently, a history of familial bleeding tendency; bleeding gums,Nosebleeds, easy bruising 3. Diseases of red blood cells:  Sickle cell anemia -- early symptoms are severe, recurrent episodes of abdominal pain; bleeding into the joints; and enlargement of the spleen. 4. Diseases of white blood cells: y Leukemia -- early signs and symptoms are anemia, bleeding tendency, bone pain, and serious infection. 

CAUSES: y There are genetic causes, which are determined by family background. y There are also diseases that occur from mutation in one's genes, or infection, or from unknown causes. TYPES OF BLOOD DISEASE: There are four types of blood disease. Coagulopathies are disorders which concern bleeding and clotting, such as hemophilia. Anemias concern the lack of hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells which is vitally necessary for oxygen transport. Hematological malignancies like leukemia are cancers which affect the blood andbone marrow, while hemoglobinopathies are blood diseases which have to do with the structure of red blood cells. Sickle cell anemiais a classic example of a hemoglobinopathy. COMPLICATIONS: y y y y y y ITP: complications include bleeding into a critical body part such as a major organ. TTP: complications are generally the same as ITP. Hemophilia: complications include bleeding into various joints, bleeding into the brain, and hemorrhage into the intestinal tract. Von Willebrand's Disease: complications are recurring Nosebleeds and heavy menstrual periods. More serious cases of this disease may have more serious bleeding, such as bleeding into a joint. Sickle cell anemia: complications includeSepsis, painful crises (blood clots inside various blood vessels), aplastic crises (the bone marrow stops forming new blood elements), and stroke (cerebrovascular accident). Leukemia : complications include bleeding into a critical body part, such as a major organ; serious infections; and DIC. (See DIC, i.e., disseminated intravascular coagulation).