Clinical Issues in Women with Inherited Bleeding Disorders

Abstract

Various inherited bleeding disorders deserve careful medical management due to their implications in women's health. In both hemophilia A and B, almost exclusively, males are affected while carrier females are generally asymptomatic. Nevertheless, carriers may present important bleeding tendencies, which can eventually constitute a serious threat to life, especially after surgery or postpartum. In addition, in rare but significant cases, some genetic mechanisms have been found to cause hemophilia in females. Aside from von Willebrand disease, which is the most widespread and better described hemorrhagic condition in women, platelet disorders and some rare clotting deficiencies cause a wide variety of mucocutaneous bleedings, menorrhagia, or postpartum bleeding, hence constituting an important health risk. A review of the genetic and pathophysiological aspects as well as main clinical complications of all these conditions will allow for preventive practices aimed at improving the quality of life of women with bleeding disorders.