什麼是心律不整?
所謂心律不整就是與正常的心律相比較,在形式上及/或在速度上發生不正常改變的情形。大部分心律速度(心跳速率)的改變都是正常的,例如:運動時心跳會加速,休息時或睡眠時心跳會減緩。發生心律不整的原因有很多,通常代表著心臟可能的病變,其當中有些或許是相當嚴重的疾病,千萬不可忽視普通心律不整的重要性。
·緩慢的心跳稱為心跳過慢,快速的心跳稱為心跳過速。
·心律不整可能發生在心臟上腔室(稱為心房)和下腔室(稱為心室),例如:心室跳動過速。
·心跳過速及跳過慢都會導致流向腦部、冠狀動脈(供給心肌)或身體其他部位的血流不足。
·心律不整會導致流向腦部的血流量不足,引起暈眩或失去意識(昏倒或暈厥)。
·冠狀動脈血液供給量不足時,可能造成胸痛或胸緊(心絞痛)。身體其他部位的血液供給不夠時,可能引起虛弱及呼吸急促的現象。
如何治療心律不整?
心跳過速,首先當然就是過速的心跳速率,有時候是不規則的跳動,包括:心房纖維顫動、心房撲動、心房跳動過速、心室纖維顫動。可以用來治療的藥劑包括:鈣離子通道阻斷劑、β-交感神經受體阻斷劑和毛地黃。當然還有其他可以用來治療心律不整的藥物。而當一般藥物無法有效控制症狀時,就會建議使用其他別的治療方式。
·有些鈣離子通道阻斷劑會直接作用在心臟細胞上,可以降低異常的電傳導活動,使心臟不致太過亢奮,回復到比較正常的律動狀態。
·β-交感神經受體阻斷劑可以減緩心跳及其跳動的力量。β-交感神經受體阻斷劑會阻斷來自心臟神經所分泌的化學物質-正腎上腺素,及從血液所帶來的-腎上腺素對心臟的作用。如此一來,可以讓心臟安定下來,使心臟不致太亢奮,比較不會發生異常的電傳導活動及心律不整。
·毛地黃(Digoxin),有時候也可以稱為"digitalis",可以經由減緩心臟電子脈衝的速度來控制其律動。對心跳過速有效,因為它可以讓異常的電傳導回復正常。
治療心律不整的目標是減緩心室收縮速度,使心跳回復正常。
參考資料
http://www.astrazeneca.com.tw/article.asp?channelid=H&serial=246#3
心律不整的原因與治療
心臟血管疾病的發生率一直在隨時代進步及人口老化而增加,現已高居國人十大死因的前五名。心律不整在心臟疾病中並不罕見,可分為先天性和後天性,其治療原則依不同的病因而異。
在醫學上,心悸指的是「感覺心臟的跳動」。因此,心臟跳動過慢、過速,抑或心臟跳動不規則,都可能引起心悸的感覺。發生心悸的原因非常多,可以由非常單純的精神緊張而引起,也可以由嚴重的心臟病引發。
一般而言,出現心悸即意味著可能患有「心律不整」。大部分心悸病人會表現出心跳過速或是心跳不規則。如果說得通俗些,心律不整是一種疾病,而心悸則是疾病的表現方式。
心悸發生時,除了因為心跳不正常所引起的不舒服感以外,若是心跳速度非常快,還可能引起暈眩、冒冷汗、嘔吐、昏厥,甚至休克;若是心跳速度非常慢,則可能引起暈眩或昏厥。
若有上述症狀發生,都應迅速前往急診室就診。醫師可能依病情嚴重程度,給予抗心律不整藥物,或是以心外電擊來控制急速的心跳;至於心跳過慢者,除了急速給予靜脈注射藥物以提高心跳速度外,可能會再經由大血管置放心律調整器來加速心跳。
心悸的原因需要檢查,除了外在誘因,例如飲用咖啡、濃茶、烈酒,或是緊張壓力等刺激外,由心臟本身病變所引起的心悸可以借助檢查工具而查明。譬如靜態心電圖、動態心電圖、24小時心電圖,或是心臟事件記錄器傳送訊號等,可以檢查出約80% 的心悸原因。不過,如果要完全正確的檢查出原因,還需借助心電理學檢查。
心悸的處理,除了上述急症發作的狀況外,最重要的是遠離誘因,或是使用藥物來抑制誘因。許多病例在過去必須透過外科手術才能根治,但隨著心電生理學的發展及燒灼術進步,現已可以運用內科方法治療,根治大部分心律不整,應是心悸患者的一大福音。
但是,並不是所有心跳過快都可以靠電燒術來治療,需由醫師診斷後決定治療的方法。
病因
心臟就像一個肌肉組成的幫浦(pump),是一個中空的組織,可容納血液,並藉著不斷收縮將血液打出去,經血管輸送到全身各部位。
正常人的心臟分成四個隔間或腔室。其中兩個腔室在左邊,兩個在右邊。上面的兩個腔室稱為心房,專司收集血液。下面兩個稱為心室,收縮時可以將血液打出心臟,並經由血管循環全身,藉此將養分及氧氣送到身體各部位。
心臟能維持節律性的收縮是依靠電路的傳導及刺激來引發。在電氣傳導的過程中,竇房結(SA node) 占有決定性的重要地位。竇房結位於右心房,是電氣衝動的起始點,由一群特殊的細胞組成。竇房結就像個「自然的節律點」,負責啟動心跳。當竇房結發出的電子脈衝到達心房時,會引起收縮,繼而將血液擠送到心室。之後,電子脈衝會進一步傳到位於心房及心室間的房室結(AV node)。
房室結就像一個轉運站,在脈衝尚未到達心室前,減緩其速度。待進入心室以後,會再通過系統中的帕金森氏纖維,經由兩個網狀系統到達左右心室,使電刺激傳達到兩心室。當心室接收到電刺激後,便會引發收縮,將血液打出去循環全身。
每次心跳時,電流都會由竇房結傳到帕金森氏纖維,引起收縮,將血液打至全身各部位。因此,當心臟收縮系統故障時,就會引起不正常的心跳。
不正常的心跳節律就是心律不整,是指心跳的速度或節律發生改變。在心律不整的過程中,病人的胸口可以感覺到心跳(或心悸),或引起頭痛、昏厥、胸痛、呼吸急促等現象,較輕微的心律不整可能無法察覺,或是因為發作過程短暫而被忽略。當嚴重的心律不整發生,使得心跳過快、過慢,或無法有效供給血液輸出時,便會威脅到人體的生命。
引發心律不整的原因很多,最常見的是冠狀動脈疾病,90%~95% 的急性心肌梗塞病人合併有心律不整。此外,毛地黃中毒、風濕性心臟病、甲狀腺機能亢進都會引起心律不整。先天性、梅毒性、高血壓性,以及外傷性心臟病,有時也可能引發心律不整。
值得注意的是,非心臟性疾病如新陳代謝異常、貧血、電解質不平衡、麻醉、藥物中毒,以及精神神經性疾病,都有引發心律不整的可能。
心律不整的種類甚多,大致可分為上心室心律不整和心室性心律不整兩大類。通常上心室心律不整多屬於良性,常見於身體健康且沒有罹患心臟病的人,不需要積極治療;有些心室心律不整是高度貧血或甲狀腺機能亢進引起。
心室性心律不整的患者多半有器質性心臟病,須接受治療或追蹤,嚴重發作時甚至須急救,以保住患者性命。
症狀
心律不整病人的主訴症狀通常是心悸,正常人因為習於規律的心跳而不會感覺到心臟跳動,但是心律不整的病人,則因血行力學改變,常會感覺到自己的異常心跳。
心悸又可分為多種方式及程度,病人可能會感覺心跳迅速、跳動強烈、突然劇烈跳動、跳動不規則、暫時停止又繼續跳動,或是在規則的心跳中突然多跳了一下。
輕微的心律不整通常不會有危險,也不太會造成併發症。如果心律不整過於嚴重,例如心跳過於快速,使得心臟來不及完成血液的充填與搏出,就像馬達空轉一樣,血液的總搏出量會急速下降,病人可能因缺氧而昏迷,甚至中風。惡性心律不整通常須在短時間內急救,如果無法恢復心跳,病人甚至會回天乏術。
診斷
在臨床上,醫師可根據患者敘述的心跳情況初步推測病情,或是藉著測量脈搏、心尖部摶動聽診等異常,得知心律不整的情形。如果醫師懷疑你有心律不整時,可能會安排一些診斷性的檢查,來查出引起不適的原因。分述如下:
1.十二導程心電圖是最簡單的檢查,用來記錄心臟中電流的活動。心電圖是檢查心律不整最重要的工具,它可用來檢查各種心律不整。正常的心電圖由三個波形構成,P波表心房的電氣收縮、QRS綜合波表示心室的電氣收縮,T 波則為心室的電氣舒張,由波形的組合及關係可判斷大部分的心律不整。
2.Holter Monitoring是一種可連續二十四小時記錄的心電圖,讓病人戴在身上,以便持續性的紀錄。由於心律不整出現的時間不定,一般心電圖檢查時不一定剛好能觀察到變化,因而必須利用較長時間的心電圖來記錄、檢測。病人可從這項檢查能發現到心電圖測驗中沒有出現的心律不整,這種持續性的紀錄方式可以持續幾天或幾星期,紀錄到不易察覺的不正常心律。
3.心臟事件紀錄器,類似24小時心電圖,但是體積較小且輕巧,可以隨時傳送心律不整時的心電圖到醫院。
4.運動心電圖:是記錄在運動狀況下的心電圖變化。可以幫助診斷出在休息情況下不被引發的心律不整。
如果想進一步得知心律不整的原因或病情,就必須藉助侵蝕性的電氣生理學檢查,可以幫助醫師診斷出不正常的電氣傳導路徑。電氣生理學檢查是用來評估心律的一種方法,常被推薦使用在有心律不整的病人身上,或有頑固性的症狀,被懷疑是心律不整,利用其他檢查卻找不出病因者。
這項方法可用來檢查心臟跳動的速度及節律有何異常,雖然心臟可用許多方法來測試,但有些重要的訊息僅能從電氣生理學檢查來獲得。患者有暈眩、昏厥、不省人事、心悸、胸悶、或胸痛等情形時,可能是由於心臟收縮系統或電氣系統故障而導致,包括心跳過快、過慢或不規則等,都可藉由電氣生理學檢查發現故障之處。
治療
治療不正常心搏過速時,可採用下述幾種方法:
1.抗心律不整藥物 可用以改變心臟的電流訊號,阻止異常處產生電刺激。必須長期服藥是其缺點。
2.植人心律轉換與纖維去顫器(ICD) 這是一種精巧的裝置,將之植人人體以後,在致命性的心律不整(通常是心室纖維顫動)發生時給予電擊,以恢復正常的心跳節律。
3.心臟手術 做外科手術時,可將不正常的電流傳導路徑切除,或是移去引起心律不整的不正常部位。
4.經導管燒灼術(電燒) 是一種非外科手術的治療方式,可以破壞引起心律不整的不正常傳導路徑,是目前用於根治心搏過速的主要方法。
預後
一般而言,只要經過詳盡檢查與有經驗醫師的診斷,心律不整都可以有效控制與治療。不論是藥物控制、手術治療,以及目前常使用的電燒治療,都有一定的療效,即使無法完全根治病灶,至少可將病情控制在安全範圍內,讓患有嚴重心律不整的患者免去死亡的威脅。
資料來源:http://www.11webs.com/servlet/Info.info_page_1?flow_no=48
2008年11月11日 星期二
2008年10月12日 星期日
患地中海型貧血女性可以懷孕嗎?
什麼是地中海型貧血?
地中海型貧血(thalassemia)好發於地中海沿岸、東南亞、中國大陸長江以南,和台灣地區。本省民眾大約有4﹪為甲型地中海型貧血的帶因者,2%為乙型地中海型貧血帶因者。正常的血紅素分子是由兩條α和兩條β血紅蛋白鏈結合而成,因此可分為甲型(α型)和乙型(β型)地中海型貧血。甲型地中海型貧血是指α鏈有問題,而β鏈正常;而乙型地中海型貧血是指β鏈有問題,而α鏈正常。其病因主要是血紅素的血紅蛋白鏈製造不足或完全缺失所致,而使得紅血球體積較小、血球容易破裂,因而縮短紅血球壽命。
地中海型貧血會遺傳哦!!此症屬於隱性遺傳的血液疾病,若夫妻為同型地中海型貧血的帶因者,每次懷孕,其子女有1/4的機會為重型地中海型貧血患者,1/2的機會為帶因者,1/4的機會為正常。胎兒如罹患重症甲型地中海型貧血,在子宮內即會出現肝脾腫大、腹水、全身水腫的「胎兒水 腫」,甚至胎死腹中,或是出生後不久即缺氧死亡。如胎兒罹患重型乙型地中海型貧血,在子宮內毫無任何異樣,通常在產後3-6個月大時才會被發現。罹患地中海型貧血的小孩,最後只有靠長期輸血來維持生命,或成功的骨髓移植治療。乙型地中海型貧血在產前很難確定診斷,確實帶給產科醫師與父母莫大的壓力與困擾。
地中海型貧血患者的孕前諮詢:
女性如患有重型地中海型貧血則不易受孕,即使懷孕,對母體以及胎兒的健康威脅極大,所以不適合懷孕。若真的想要懷孕,應該在婚前、孕前、或懷孕初期實施地中海型貧血篩檢,以血液學檢查平均紅血球體積MCV及MCH值。如果從前生過重型地中海型貧血的病嬰,則應該於下一次懷孕前,先確定夫妻兩人的基因型,以為下胎的產前診斷作準備。
地中海型貧血患者的產前診斷原則
1.孕婦平均紅血球體積較小者(MCV<80或MCH<25),其配偶亦須接受檢查。若配偶MCV>80或MCH>25,則夫妻必須同時進一步抽血檢驗,以確定是屬於甲型或乙型帶因者。
2.假如夫妻為同型帶因者,則孕婦必須接受絨毛膜取樣、羊膜穿刺或胎兒採血等產前檢查, 以便進一步確定胎兒是否罹患地中海型貧血。
資料來源:http://www.cgmh.com.tw/heal/journal/journal.htm" target="_blank">長庚醫院婦產科
地中海型貧血(thalassemia)好發於地中海沿岸、東南亞、中國大陸長江以南,和台灣地區。本省民眾大約有4﹪為甲型地中海型貧血的帶因者,2%為乙型地中海型貧血帶因者。正常的血紅素分子是由兩條α和兩條β血紅蛋白鏈結合而成,因此可分為甲型(α型)和乙型(β型)地中海型貧血。甲型地中海型貧血是指α鏈有問題,而β鏈正常;而乙型地中海型貧血是指β鏈有問題,而α鏈正常。其病因主要是血紅素的血紅蛋白鏈製造不足或完全缺失所致,而使得紅血球體積較小、血球容易破裂,因而縮短紅血球壽命。
地中海型貧血會遺傳哦!!此症屬於隱性遺傳的血液疾病,若夫妻為同型地中海型貧血的帶因者,每次懷孕,其子女有1/4的機會為重型地中海型貧血患者,1/2的機會為帶因者,1/4的機會為正常。胎兒如罹患重症甲型地中海型貧血,在子宮內即會出現肝脾腫大、腹水、全身水腫的「胎兒水 腫」,甚至胎死腹中,或是出生後不久即缺氧死亡。如胎兒罹患重型乙型地中海型貧血,在子宮內毫無任何異樣,通常在產後3-6個月大時才會被發現。罹患地中海型貧血的小孩,最後只有靠長期輸血來維持生命,或成功的骨髓移植治療。乙型地中海型貧血在產前很難確定診斷,確實帶給產科醫師與父母莫大的壓力與困擾。
地中海型貧血患者的孕前諮詢:
女性如患有重型地中海型貧血則不易受孕,即使懷孕,對母體以及胎兒的健康威脅極大,所以不適合懷孕。若真的想要懷孕,應該在婚前、孕前、或懷孕初期實施地中海型貧血篩檢,以血液學檢查平均紅血球體積MCV及MCH值。如果從前生過重型地中海型貧血的病嬰,則應該於下一次懷孕前,先確定夫妻兩人的基因型,以為下胎的產前診斷作準備。
地中海型貧血患者的產前診斷原則
1.孕婦平均紅血球體積較小者(MCV<80或MCH<25),其配偶亦須接受檢查。若配偶MCV>80或MCH>25,則夫妻必須同時進一步抽血檢驗,以確定是屬於甲型或乙型帶因者。
2.假如夫妻為同型帶因者,則孕婦必須接受絨毛膜取樣、羊膜穿刺或胎兒採血等產前檢查, 以便進一步確定胎兒是否罹患地中海型貧血。
資料來源:http://www.cgmh.com.tw/heal/journal/journal.htm" target="_blank">長庚醫院婦產科
地中海型貧血患者,平時強化免疫力 ,婚前記得先篩檢
地中海型貧血患者,生活上有些注意事項,台北醫學大學附設醫院血液腫瘤科主任戴承正醫師指出,患者平時應注意維持免疫能力,接種疫苗、避免接觸感染源 。
同時要小心未癒合的傷口,尤其是腳部。一旦受傷要保持溫暖,疼痛處給予熱敷。此外,要注意胸痛、腹痛或嘔吐、骨關節疼痛、血尿或混濁尿、不明原因昏倒等。中、重度的患者在搭飛機時,宜使用氧氣。服藥需遵從醫囑,患者不能服用含阿斯匹靈 (Aspirin)類的藥物。(注意:看一下你用的普拿疼其成分有無Aspirin成份,若有請勿用。)
輕度地中海型貧血帶原者毋需治療,但因為是遺傳性貧血疾病,熱戀男女一旦考慮結婚生子,最好先接受婚前篩檢,以免造成遺憾。
參考網頁http://health.chinatimes.com/contents.aspx?cid=5,66&id=1995
同時要小心未癒合的傷口,尤其是腳部。一旦受傷要保持溫暖,疼痛處給予熱敷。此外,要注意胸痛、腹痛或嘔吐、骨關節疼痛、血尿或混濁尿、不明原因昏倒等。中、重度的患者在搭飛機時,宜使用氧氣。服藥需遵從醫囑,患者不能服用含阿斯匹靈 (Aspirin)類的藥物。(注意:看一下你用的普拿疼其成分有無Aspirin成份,若有請勿用。)
輕度地中海型貧血帶原者毋需治療,但因為是遺傳性貧血疾病,熱戀男女一旦考慮結婚生子,最好先接受婚前篩檢,以免造成遺憾。
參考網頁http://health.chinatimes.com/contents.aspx?cid=5,66&id=1995
Von willebrand's disease
稱之類血友病(凝血因子缺乏)
Inleiding
Blood is the red coloured fluid found in the body, it can be divided into two parts - blood cells and fluid (also called plasma). There are three types of blood cells - red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. RBCs give blood its red colour, and are responsible for caring oxygen to the tissues. WBCs consist of a number of different types of cells that are responsible for fighting infection, while platelets are essential in stopping bleeding by helping form blocks, called clots, at the site of bleeding.
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What is on Willebrands disease?
Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder that runs in families (i.e. an inherited disorder) and is characterised by excessive bleeding. It is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. The bleeding may follow trauma, or may occur spontaneously in those with the disorder.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
What causes von Willebrands disease?
The plasma contains proteins and other substances that have a variety of functions. A group of these proteins, called factors, are responsible for stopping bleeding at a site of injury. These factors are collectively called the clotting system. These factors, along with platelets, form a clot at the site of bleeding. They also prevent spontaneous bleeding from occurring.
Von Willebrand's disease is caused by a deficiency of one of these factors, called von Willebrand's factor. Von Willebrand's factor is a protein that helps platelets to stick to the blood vessel wall and to each other. Von Willebrand's factor also helps transport another factor, called factor VIII (factor "eight"). Hence, a deficiency of von Willebrand's factor may also be associated with decreased blood levels of factor VIII.
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What are the features of von Willebrands disease?
Von Willebrand's disease is equally common in men and women. The severity of symptoms is very variable between affected individuals. Some people will have severe and frequent bleeding, while others will have only mild bleeding. Von Willebrand's disease is characterized by excessive bleeding, either following trauma, or occurring spontaneously. Bleeding into the skin, giving rise to tiny pinpoint bleeds of purplish discolouration (petechiae), or larger areas of discolouration (ecchymoses) may be seen. Bleeding from the nose and gums, excessive menstrual bleeding, and bleeding into urine and stool, may also occur. Prolonged bleeding is also seen with surgery, and tooth extractions.
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How is von Willebrands disease diagnosed?
In patients with suspected von Willebrand's disease, blood tests (activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), bleeding time, fibrinogen level) are done. Bleeding time will be prolonged (increased), while the other tests will be normal in von Willebrand's disease. If this is the case, blood tests for the presence, or absence, of specific factors are done. In cases where there is an associated decrease in factor VIII levels, partial thromboplastin time will be prolonged (increased).
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How is von Willebrands disease treated?
The treatment of von Willebrand's disease varies with the severity of the disease. Patients with mild von Willebrand's disease may be treated with medications such as desmopressin (DDAVP), which stimulates the body to release more clotting factors. Patients with severe bleeding are treated with transfusions of von Willebrand factor and/or factor VIII. Repeat transfusions may be required.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the complications of von Willebrands disease?
Complications may be due to the disease itself, or may arise due to treatment. A person with von Willebrand's disease may develop bleeding while undergoing surgery, or after surgery, despite adequate precautions. While all blood products are carefully screened, there still remains a very small risk of transmission of infections. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What can I do to help myself?
Most people with von Willebrand's disease live an active and productive life, with current treatment regimens. Transfusions may be helpful in preventing bleeding episodes. In case of cuts, put pressure on the wound with an ice pack.
Receiving vaccinations against blood-borne diseases (eg. Hepatitis B) is important. Preferably, a bracelet should be worn stating the condition, and the factor that is deficient. This may prove invaluable in an emergency.
Always avoid aspirin, as aspirin predisposes to bleeding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Referenties
Mackie, M.J., Ludlam, C.A. & Haynes, A.P. 1999, "Diseases of the blood", in Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, eds C. Haslett, E.R.E. Chilvers, J.A.A. Hunter, & N.A. Boon, 18th edn, Churchill, Livingstone, London.
Von Willebrand's disease, 2001 [Online] Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000544.htm [2001, Aug. 01].
Inleiding
Blood is the red coloured fluid found in the body, it can be divided into two parts - blood cells and fluid (also called plasma). There are three types of blood cells - red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. RBCs give blood its red colour, and are responsible for caring oxygen to the tissues. WBCs consist of a number of different types of cells that are responsible for fighting infection, while platelets are essential in stopping bleeding by helping form blocks, called clots, at the site of bleeding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What is on Willebrands disease?
Von Willebrand's disease is a bleeding disorder that runs in families (i.e. an inherited disorder) and is characterised by excessive bleeding. It is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. The bleeding may follow trauma, or may occur spontaneously in those with the disorder.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
What causes von Willebrands disease?
The plasma contains proteins and other substances that have a variety of functions. A group of these proteins, called factors, are responsible for stopping bleeding at a site of injury. These factors are collectively called the clotting system. These factors, along with platelets, form a clot at the site of bleeding. They also prevent spontaneous bleeding from occurring.
Von Willebrand's disease is caused by a deficiency of one of these factors, called von Willebrand's factor. Von Willebrand's factor is a protein that helps platelets to stick to the blood vessel wall and to each other. Von Willebrand's factor also helps transport another factor, called factor VIII (factor "eight"). Hence, a deficiency of von Willebrand's factor may also be associated with decreased blood levels of factor VIII.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the features of von Willebrands disease?
Von Willebrand's disease is equally common in men and women. The severity of symptoms is very variable between affected individuals. Some people will have severe and frequent bleeding, while others will have only mild bleeding. Von Willebrand's disease is characterized by excessive bleeding, either following trauma, or occurring spontaneously. Bleeding into the skin, giving rise to tiny pinpoint bleeds of purplish discolouration (petechiae), or larger areas of discolouration (ecchymoses) may be seen. Bleeding from the nose and gums, excessive menstrual bleeding, and bleeding into urine and stool, may also occur. Prolonged bleeding is also seen with surgery, and tooth extractions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
How is von Willebrands disease diagnosed?
In patients with suspected von Willebrand's disease, blood tests (activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), bleeding time, fibrinogen level) are done. Bleeding time will be prolonged (increased), while the other tests will be normal in von Willebrand's disease. If this is the case, blood tests for the presence, or absence, of specific factors are done. In cases where there is an associated decrease in factor VIII levels, partial thromboplastin time will be prolonged (increased).
--------------------------------------------------------------------
How is von Willebrands disease treated?
The treatment of von Willebrand's disease varies with the severity of the disease. Patients with mild von Willebrand's disease may be treated with medications such as desmopressin (DDAVP), which stimulates the body to release more clotting factors. Patients with severe bleeding are treated with transfusions of von Willebrand factor and/or factor VIII. Repeat transfusions may be required.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What are the complications of von Willebrands disease?
Complications may be due to the disease itself, or may arise due to treatment. A person with von Willebrand's disease may develop bleeding while undergoing surgery, or after surgery, despite adequate precautions. While all blood products are carefully screened, there still remains a very small risk of transmission of infections. It is best to discuss this with your doctor.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
What can I do to help myself?
Most people with von Willebrand's disease live an active and productive life, with current treatment regimens. Transfusions may be helpful in preventing bleeding episodes. In case of cuts, put pressure on the wound with an ice pack.
Receiving vaccinations against blood-borne diseases (eg. Hepatitis B) is important. Preferably, a bracelet should be worn stating the condition, and the factor that is deficient. This may prove invaluable in an emergency.
Always avoid aspirin, as aspirin predisposes to bleeding.
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Referenties
Mackie, M.J., Ludlam, C.A. & Haynes, A.P. 1999, "Diseases of the blood", in Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine, eds C. Haslett, E.R.E. Chilvers, J.A.A. Hunter, & N.A. Boon, 18th edn, Churchill, Livingstone, London.
Von Willebrand's disease, 2001 [Online] Available: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000544.htm [2001, Aug. 01].
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