Some Causes of Excessive Bleeding

Cause

Examples

Platelet disorders

Decreased number of platelets

Aplastic anemia

Cirrhosis if the spleen is enlarged

DIC if it progresses rapidly

Hemolytic-uremic syndrome

HIV infection

Immune thrombocytopenia

Leukemia

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Increased number of platelets (which often causes excessive clotting but sometimes causes excessive bleeding)

Primary thrombocythemia

Inadequate platelet function

Chronic kidney disease

Multiple myeloma

Von Willebrand disease

Clotting disorders

Acquired

DIC if it progresses slowly

Liver disease

Vitamin K deficiency

Hereditary

Hemophilia

Blood vessel disorders

Acquired

Immunoglobulin A–associated vasculitis

Vitamin C deficiency

Hereditary

Connective tissue disorders (such as Marfan syndrome)

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia

Von Willebrand disease

DIC = disseminated intravascular coagulation; DOAC = direct oral anticoagulant; HIV = human immunodeficiency virus; NSAIDs = nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; vWF = von Willebrand factor.

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