Inherited bleeding disorders in adolescents with excessive menstrual bleeding. Should we evaluate the fibrinolytic pathway?

Abstract

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (EMB) is a frequent problem in adolescence. The prevalence of inherited bleeding disorders (IBD) as a cause of EMB is not well established and the involvement of fibrinolytic pathway defects has been poorly explored.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of IBD and fibrinolysis defects in adolescents with EMBs.

Patients and Method: 93 adolescents (11 to 18 years old) were included. Personal and family history of bleeding were obtained through a standardized questionnaire. The following lab tests were performed: prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), von Willebrand factor quantification, and platelet count and function. Those patients who were not diagnosed with IBD were further evaluated with clot lysis time assay.

Results: 41 patients (44%) were diagnosed as IBD (Von Willebrand disease n=28, platelet function defects n=8, mild hemophilia n=5. Decreased clot lysis time was found in 31 patients. 54% of patients diagnosed with IBD had EMB as the first hemorrhagic manifestation.

Conclusion: These results support the need to evaluate the coagulation process, including the fibrinolytic pathway in the study of adolescents with EMB.