[Bleeding time in patients with chronic liver diseases]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Hematology
• Clinical Diagnostics

Context:

• Chronic liver diseases, including chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, affect numerous patients globally.
• Hemorrhagic complications are a significant concern in patients with advanced liver disease.
• Assessing hemostasis is crucial for managing patients with chronic liver conditions.

Purpose:

• To investigate the utility of the Ivy bleeding time method in evaluating hemostatic function in patients with chronic liver diseases.
• To determine if bleeding time can differentiate between stages or types of chronic liver disease.
• To identify correlations between prolonged bleeding time, platelet count, prothrombin index, and clinical signs of hemorrhagic diathesis.

Summary:

• The Ivy bleeding time method was employed in 105 patients with chronic liver diseases.
• A statistically significant difference in bleeding time was observed between patients with chronic hepatitis/controlled cirrhosis and those with uncontrolled cirrhosis.
• In patients with prolonged bleeding time, elevated platelet counts, and adequate prothrombin index, clinical signs of hemorrhagic diathesis were noted in 10 out of 26 cases.

Impact:

• The findings suggest that the Ivy bleeding time test can be a valuable tool in the routine assessment of patients with chronic liver disease.
• Incorporating bleeding time measurement may improve the early detection and management of bleeding risks.
• This diagnostic approach could enhance patient care by proactively addressing potential hemorrhagic complications.