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Related Concept Videos

Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management01:30

Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management

Nursing management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient's health history. Key factors include trauma to veins, peripherally inserted central catheters, varicose veins, recent pregnancy or childbirth, surgery, bacteremia, prolonged bed rest, atrial fibrillation, COPD, heart failure, cancer, coagulation disorders, myocardial infarction, spinal cord injury, stroke, prolonged travel, recent bone fractures, and dehydration. Review medication intake, particularly oral contraceptives,...
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care01:29

Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care

Venous thrombosis requires effective prevention and treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes and reduce potential complications.Prevention StrategiesHealthcare providers must prioritize preventing venous thromboembolism (VTE) for all adult patients upon admission. Interventions depend on bleeding and thrombosis risk, medical history, current medications, diagnoses, planned procedures, and patient preferences. Patients on bed rest should change positions every two hours and, if not...
Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis01:20

Extrinsic and Intrinsic Pathways of Hemostasis

Blood clotting or coagulation involves extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, which ultimately merge into the common pathway, forming a fibrin clot.
The Extrinsic Pathway
The extrinsic pathway of coagulation is typically initiated by tissue damage that exposes blood to tissue factor (TF), a protein released by the damaged tissue cells outside the blood vessels—this interaction with TF triggers biochemical reactions involving specific clotting factors. The key player here is Factor VII, which forms a...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management01:28

Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management

Esophageal varices often manifest as gastrointestinal bleeding episodes, presenting symptoms like hematemesis (vomiting of blood), hematochezia (passing fresh blood via the rectum), and melena (black, tarry stools). Other signs can include weight loss, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, jaundice, pruritus, altered mental status, and muscle cramps.
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Tail Vein Transection Bleeding Model in Fully Anesthetized Hemophilia A Mice
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Tail Vein Transection Bleeding Model in Fully Anesthetized Hemophilia A Mice

Published on: September 30, 2021

Leech bites: massive bleeding, coagulation profile disorders, and severe anemia.

Ataman Kose1, Suat Zengin, Beril Kose

  • 1Emergency Department, Twenty-Five December State Hospital, Gaziantep, Turkey. ataberk76@yahoo.com.tr

The American Journal of Emergency Medicine
|December 19, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Uncontrolled leech use can cause severe bleeding and anemia, necessitating transfusions. This case highlights the potential for significant morbidity and mortality from excessive leech application, emphasizing the need for caution.

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Characterization of Leukocyte-platelet Rich Fibrin, A Novel Biomaterial
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Characterization of Leukocyte-platelet Rich Fibrin, A Novel Biomaterial
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Characterization of Leukocyte-platelet Rich Fibrin, A Novel Biomaterial

Published on: September 29, 2015

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Dermatology
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Leeches have historical applications in medicine, including wound healing and treating venous issues.
  • Their use in alternative medicine persists, despite potential risks.
  • Complications from leech therapy, though rare, can be severe.

Observation:

  • A 65-year-old male presented with intractable bleeding after 130 leech bites.
  • Physical examination revealed extensive skin hemorrhages.
  • Laboratory tests showed critically low hemoglobin and hematocrit, with elevated coagulation times.

Findings:

  • The patient required 8 units of fresh frozen plasma and 6 units of erythrocyte suspension.
  • Coagulation disorder and severe hemorrhage following leech bites are not previously documented.
  • Excessive blood loss led to anemia requiring significant transfusion support.

Implications:

  • Uncontrolled leech application can lead to severe hemorrhage, anemia, and potentially fatal outcomes.
  • Medical professionals and alternative medicine practitioners must be aware of these risks.
  • This case underscores the importance of informed consent and cautious use of leeches in any medical context.