Bleeding disorders in children


Bleeding disorders in children are a group of medical conditions where the blood in the child does not clot properly due to which there is excessive or prolonged bleeding. Bleeding disorders happen due to problems with clotting factors, platelets, or blood vessel function.

Common Bleeding disorders in children are:-
  • Hemophilia (A or B) is a bleeding disorder caused due to deficiency of clotting factors VIII or IX.
  • Von Willebrand disease occurs due to low levels or defective von Willebrand factor.
  • Platelet disorders occur due to low platelet count or defects in the platelet functioning.

Due to the bleeding disorders the child bruises easily, has frequent nosebleeds, and prolonged bleeding after injury. Severe cases can cause joint or internal bleeding. Blood tests help measuring platelet count and clotting factor activity. Treatments include replacement of missing clotting factors, medications to promote clotting. The bleeding episodes must be managed without any delay.

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of bleeding disorders in children?


Children with bleeding disorders show signs of easy or excessive bleeding that occur suddenly or after minor incidents.

1. Skin Bleeding

  • Easy bleeding for minor injuries
  • Petechiae are tiny red or purple spots on the skin
  • Epistaxis are frequent nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums

2. Prolonged Bleeding

  • Bleeding does not stop for a long time after cuts, vaccinations, or surgery
  • In newborns persistent bleeding from the umbilical stump

3. Internal Bleeding

  • Hemarthrosis is joint swelling and pain caused due to bleeding into joints
  • Deep bleeding causes muscle swelling and tenderness
  • Hematuria – Blood in urine
  • Melena – Blood in stool

4. Other Signs

  • Weakness due to blood loss or anemia
  • In adolescent girls heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes of Bleeding disorders in children?


Causes of bleeding disorders in children are of two types:-
  • Inherited (genetic)
  • Acquired (developed later).

1. Inherited Causes – Bleeding disorder is present from birth due to genetic defects affecting platelet or clotting factors.

  • Hemophilia A or B: Deficiency of clotting factor VIII (A) or IX (B).
  • Von Willebrand disease: Deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, essential for platelets to stick together.
  • Inherited platelet function disorders: Glanzmann thrombasthenia, Bernard–Soulier syndrome where platelets are present but do not work properly.

2. Acquired Causes – The child may develop bleeding disorder after birth due to illness, medication, or other conditions.

  • Vitamin K deficiency: Vitamin K is essential for clotting factor production and the deficiency is common in newborns.
  • Liver disease: liver diseases reduce the production of most clotting factors.
  • Autoimmune disorders: The body may attack its own clotting factors or platelets
  • Medications: Blood thinning medicines such as aspirin can affect clotting.

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How are bleeding disorders diagnosed in children?


Diagnosing bleeding disorders involves a child’s medical history, physical examination, and specific lab tests.

1. Medical History and Physical Examination


The following history is collected:-
  • Severity and frequency of bleeding such as nosebleeds, bruises, bleeding after injury or surgery.
  • Any family history of bleeding problems.
  • Medications or illnesses that could affect clotting.

Physical examination involves checking for bruises, tiny red spots, or joint swelling.

2. Screening Tests


The purpose of screening tests is to determine whether the issue is with platelets or clotting factors:
  • Complete Blood Count (CBC): Determines the platelet count.
  • Peripheral Blood Smear: Checks platelet structure and appearance.
  • Prothrombin Time (PT): Tests the factors I, II, V, VII, X.
  • Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT): Tests the factors VIII, IX, XI, XII.
  • Bleeding Time / Platelet Function Tests: Assess the working of the platelets.

3. Specific Diagnostic Tests


This is the second phase of screening tests if the first phase shows abnormalities:
  • Factor Assays: Measure clotting factors VIII or IX for Hemophilia.
  • Von Willebrand Factor tests: Measure activity and vWF antigen.
  • Liver function tests: Determines if there are any liver diseases that are causing blood clotting issues.
  • Genetic testing: Confirms genetic conditions like Hemophilia or von Willebrand disease.

4. Special Tests

  • Bone marrow examination: If platelet production is suspected in the previous tests.
  • Immunologic tests: To determine autoimmune-related bleeding.

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

Treatment and management of bleeding disorders in children


Treatment is based on the type and severity of the bleeding disorder. The focus is on stopping bleeding, replacing missing clotting factors or platelets and preventing complications.

1. Replacement Therapy


Works in cases of genetic factor deficiencies:
  • Hemophilia A: Replacement of Factor VIII concentrates.
  • Hemophilia B: Replacement of Factor IX concentrates.
  • Von Willebrand Disease: Helps in boosting clotting factor levels with desmopressin (DDAVP) or vWF concentrates.

2. Medications

  • Desmopressin (DDAVP): Releases the stored factor VIII and vWF in mild cases.
  • Antifibrinolytic drugs: Stop clots from breaking down too early. Works for mouth or nose bleeds.
  • Vitamin K: Works for newborns with vitamin K deficiency.
  • Corticosteroids or IVIG: Reduces immune destruction of platelets.

3. Blood or Platelet Transfusions

  • Platelet transfusion: For severe platelet function disorders.
  • Fresh frozen plasma: Replaces multiple clotting factors in severe bleeding or liver disease.

4. Preventive Care (Prophylaxis)

  • In children with severe hemophilia regular factor replacement is done to prevent spontaneous bleeding and joint damage.
  • Do not give medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen since they interfere with platelet function.
  • Ensure safety to prevent injuries.

5. Supportive Care and Education

  • Training the parents and children on recognizing early signs of bleeding.
  • Regular follow-ups with a medical professional.

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

Complications and preventive measures for bleeding disorders:


If not properly managed, bleeding disorders can lead to serious problems:
  • Anemia: Due to chronic or recurrent blood loss.
  • Joint Damage (Hemarthrosis): Repeated bleeding into joints (especially in hemophilia) can cause pain, stiffness, and long-term deformities.
  • Internal Bleeding: Dangerous bleeding in organs like the brain or abdomen can be life-threatening.
  • Infection Risks: From frequent blood or factor transfusions (though much lower today due to screening).
  • Psychological Stress: Fear of bleeding or physical limitations may cause anxiety or affect a child’s self-esteem.

Preventive Measures


Preventing bleeding episodes and minimizing complications is key:
  • Early Diagnosis and Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups with a hematologist help track clotting factor levels and adjust treatment.
  • Prophylactic (Preventive) Factor Replacement: In children with severe hemophilia to prevent spontaneous bleeds.
  • Avoid Injury-Prone Activities: Encourage safe sports like swimming or cycling instead of contact sports.
  • Medication Awareness: Avoid drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, or certain antibiotics that affect clotting.
  • Good Dental Hygiene: Prevent gum bleeding and reduce need for dental procedures that can trigger bleeding.
  • Balanced Nutrition: Iron-rich foods prevent anemia; vitamin K and C support blood vessels and clotting health.
  • Education and Support: Teach families how to handle bleeding episodes and when to seek medical help.

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad


Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors


Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)


Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-
  • Newborn and infant care
  • Immunization
  • Growth and development monitoring
  • Preterm baby management
  • Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology


Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics


Heart treatment

  • Mitral valve replacement surgery
  • Heart valve replacement and repair
  • Coronary Angioplasty
  • Coronary Angiogram
  • Cardiac catheterization
  • Angioplasty

Pain treatment

  • Thoracic epidural injections
  • Cervical epidural injections
  • Intraarticular joint injections
  • Nerve Block
  • Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
  • Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and bleeding disorders treatment, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care.

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