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Prevalence, burden and treatment effects of vaginal bleeding in women with (suspected) congenital platelet disorders throughout life: a cross‐sectional study
Author(s) -
Punt Marieke C.,
Ruigrok Nienke D.,
Bloemenkamp Kitty W. M.,
Uitslager Nanda,
Urbanus Rolf T.,
Groot Evelyn,
Kremer Hovinga Idske C. L.,
Schutgens Roger E. G.,
Galen Karin P. M.
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
british journal of haematology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.907
H-Index - 186
eISSN - 1365-2141
pISSN - 0007-1048
DOI - 10.1111/bjh.17791
Subject(s) - medicine , vaginal bleeding , miscarriage , menarche , pregnancy , cross sectional study , quality of life (healthcare) , obstetrics , pediatrics , vaginal disease , cohort , cohort study , mucocutaneous zone , gynecology , vagina , surgery , disease , genetics , nursing , pathology , biology
Summary Congenital platelet disorders (CPDs) are rare bleeding disorders that are associated with mucocutaneous bleeds. However, data on vaginal bleeding in women with CPDs are scarce. A set of generic and bleeding‐specific questionnaires were used to evaluate the prevalence of vaginal bleeding, its impact on quality of life (QoL) and sexual functioning and the consequences for pregnancy, miscarriage and delivery in a cohort of women who were referred for diagnostic evaluation for CPDs. A total of 78 women included in the study were either diagnosed with a CPD ( n = 35) or were clinically suspected of a CPD ( n = 43). Heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) was reported by a large proportion of women, which mainly started at menarche. In all, 76% of women received any kind of HMB treatment, often leading to surgical prodecures. HMB was shown to have a high impact on QoL, which improved upon treatment. Even though women reported that vaginal bleeding affects sexuality, this topic is not frequently discussed with physicians. Heavy blood loss frequently occurred after miscarriage/delivery, often requiring treatment. Women with (suspected) CPDs frequently encounter HMB, negatively impacting daily life and sexual functioning. Together with peripartum bleeding, these data highlight the burden of vaginal bleeding in CPDs and importance of adequate treatment.