NON-HEMOPHILIC HEREDITARY HEMORRHAGIC DIATHESIS: REPORT OF A FAMILY OF BLEEDERS

Abstract

A hereditary hemorrhagic diathesis affecting 20 members of a family during 5 generations was investigated. Both sexes were affected and either was capable of transmitting the bleeding tendency. These patients exhibited prolonged bleeding following minor trauma, with the majority experiencing epistaxis and bleeding from the gums. Bleeding from the lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary bladder, and uterus was also observed. Prolonged bleeding following tooth extraction, tonsillectomy, and appendectomy occurred. The only abnormal hematologic findings were a prolonged bleeding time and changes in the capillaries of the nailbeds of the fingers. Treatment consisted of local measures and transfusions . Four members died following pulmonary and uterine hemorrhages.