Hemostasis and bleeding disorders
Mechanism of Hemostasis
Hemostasis is a complex physiological process that entails preventing blood loss from damaged vessels. It is a dynamic balance of anti-coagulation and pro-coagulation molecules and consists of three sequential processes.
Primary hemostasis
The interaction between the damaged endothelium, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and platelets is a vital process for the development of a platelet plug at the injury site.
Secondary hemostasis
The coagulation cascade is initiated on the surfaces of injured endothelium and activated platelets, where clotting factors are being activated. This leads to the formation of a fibrin mesh which provides stability to the formed platelet plug to allow wound healing.
Tertiary hemostasis
Fibrinolysis breaks down the platelet plug that allows normal structure of the endothelium, smooth endothelial lining, and normal lumen size.
Bleeding or coagulation disorders
Disorders of hemostasis, or an imbalance in the blood’s clotting process, can both result in either hypocoagulation (bleeding) or hypercoagulation (thromboembolic disorders). Hereditary bleeding disorders are caused by the absence or deficiency of specific clotting proteins. The most common hereditary bleeding disorders are hemophilia A, hemophilia B, von Willebrand disease and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Advances and innovation in treatment of Hemophilia
Hemostasis has now been widely studied for more than a century. Life science research has generated a very detailed picture of the molecular and cellular events that play roles in normal and pathological hemostasis. Novel medication for treatment of hemostatic disorders is still a significant area of interest, taking hemophilia treatment as an example.
Explore the latest programmes to support your clinical decision-making.
What’s New in Hemostasis and bleeding disorders
Dr Ayesha Zia
Prof. Rezan Abdul-Kadir
Dr Michelle Lavin
Video
3 min
Dr. Sarah O'Brien
Dr Homa K. Ahmadzia
Debra Pollard
Video
23 min
Assoc. Prof Jan Blatný
Dr. Michael A Mazzeffi
E-learning
30 min
Dr. Sarah O'Brien
Dr Homa K. Ahmadzia
Podcast
20 min
Dr Roseline d'Oiron
Dr Michelle Lavin
Podcast
20 min
Prof. Ana Boban
Dr. Jonathan C. Roberts
Podcast
20 min