Disorders of the Coagulation and Cardiovascular Systems

These flashcards cover key concepts related to disorders of coagulation and the cardiovascular system, including the nature of haemostasis, treatment developments, and the implications of various blood disorders.

What is the definition of haemostasis?

The maintenance of a closed circulatory system that stops blood escaping from injured vessels and regulates clot size.

Why is understanding thromboembolism important?

Thromboembolism is the leading cause of preventable hospital death, responsible for more deaths annually than breast cancer, automobile accidents, and HIV combined.

What are the key components of a blood clot?

Plasma proteins, platelets, erythrocytes, and leukocytes.

What are the initial steps in haemostatic clot formation?

Vessel constriction, platelet plug formation, and stabilization by the coagulation cascade.

What does the coagulation cascade involve?

Activation of a series of inactive clotting factors leading to the formation of a fibrin clot.

What are some common inherited bleeding disorders?

Von Willebrand Disease, Haemophilia A and B.

How did treatment for bleeding disorders change in the 1980s?

Treatment using plasma-derived coagulation factors was stopped due to HIV transmission risk; recombinant factors are now used.

What characterizes thrombosis?

Pathological formation of a blood clot in absence of vessel injury, leading to blood supply occlusion.

What are the consequences of a failure in haemostasis?

It can lead to excessive bleeding or thrombosis, both of which are potentially life-threatening.

What progress has been made in haemophilia treatment?

Development of recombinant purified coagulation factors and advances in gene therapy.