Which type of bleeding disorder is characterized by a deficiency of coagulation factors and increased susceptibility to bleeding?

Prepare for the MRCS Exam with our study quizzes. Practice with multiple choice questions that include detailed hints and explanations to reinforce your learning. Equip yourself with the knowledge needed to excel in your examination!

The type of bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency of coagulation factors, leading to an increased susceptibility to bleeding, is hemophilia. Hemophilia is specifically due to genetic deficiencies of certain coagulation factors in the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade, primarily factor VIII in hemophilia A and factor IX in hemophilia B. This deficiency hinders the normal clotting process, making individuals with hemophilia prone to spontaneous bleeding or excessive bleeding from minor injuries.

Hemophilia's signature clinical manifestation includes prolonged bleeding episodes, particularly in joints and muscles, a result of the impaired ability to form stable blood clots. Therefore, individuals diagnosed with this condition will often need factors replacement therapy to manage and prevent bleeding complications.

In contrast, other listed conditions, while also related to bleeding, do not primarily arise from a deficiency of coagulation factors in the same way as hemophilia. For example, platelet dysfunction affects the function of platelets rather than the coagulation factors, leading to bleeding issues, while von Willebrand disease involves a deficiency or dysfunction of von Willebrand factor, crucial for platelet adhesion. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to bleeding but does not involve the intrinsic coagulation factors

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy