1. Bleeding and Bruising: Primary Care Evaluation.
- Author
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Hughes PR, Lewis MN, and Adams SS
- Subjects
- Humans, Blood Coagulation Disorders diagnosis, Blood Coagulation Disorders etiology, Blood Coagulation Tests methods, Medical History Taking, Physical Examination methods, Contusions diagnosis, Contusions etiology, Hemorrhage diagnosis, Hemorrhage etiology, Primary Health Care
- Abstract
Easy bruising and bleeding are commonly seen in primary care. Use of a bleeding assessment tool and a comprehensive history, physical examination, and patient-provided photographs can help identify causes of abnormal bleeding and bruising. Family history can aid diagnosis of a heritable cause. Nonaccidental trauma should be considered, especially in vulnerable populations. Initial laboratory testing includes a complete blood cell count, peripheral blood smear, prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and fibrinogen. Normal PT and aPTT results may indicate a platelet disorder. A normal PT result with a prolonged aPTT result indicates a disorder of the intrinsic coagulation pathway, and a prolonged PT result with a normal aPTT result may indicate a disorder of the extrinsic coagulation pathway. Consultation with a hematologist is recommended when initial evaluation indicates a bleeding disorder or when suspicion remains high despite a normal laboratory workup result.
- Published
- 2024