Blood & Lymphatic System

Blood Substitutes

Blood substitutes, often called artificial blood, are used to fill fluid volume and/or carry oxygen and other blood gases in the cardiovascular system. Although commonly used, the term is not accurate since human blood performs many important functions. Red blood cells transport oxygen, white blood cells defend against disease, platelets promote clotting, and plasma proteins perform various functions. The preferred and more accurate terms are volume expanders for inert products, and oxygen therapeutics for oxygen-carrying products.

Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia is a disruption of the amount of lipids (fats) in the blood due to a disorder of lipoprotein metabolism. In western societies, this is usually due to an increased concentration of lipids and hyperlypidemia due to diet and lifestyle. Dyslipidemias are detected by elevated levels of cholesterols and lipoproteins in the blood. Diabetes is often associated with this disease.

Hemophilia

Hemophilia is a bleeding illness in which it takes a long time for blood to clot and abnormal bleeding occurs. Hemophilia A is due to a deficiency in the blood clotting factor VIII. Symptoms include excessive bleeding and are usually diagnosed during infant circumcision. Hemophilia B is a hereditary blood coagulation disorder caused by a deficiency of the blood plasma protein called factor IX that affects the clotting property of blood. Males are generally affected by this disorder. About 18,000 people in the United States have hemophilia. Each year, about 400 babies are born with the disorder. Hemophilia usually occurs only in males (with very rare exceptions).

Hemorrhage

A hemorrhage is bleeding or the abnormal flow of blood. The patient may have an internal hemorrhage that is invisible or an external hemorrhage that is visible on the outside of the body. Bleeding into the spleen or liver is internal hemorrhage. Bleeding from a cut on the body is an external hemorrhage. Stopping a hemorrhage is key to surgery and injuries.

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy is brain and nervous system damage that occurs as a complication of liver disorders. It causes different nervous system symptoms including changes in reflexes, changes in consciousness, and behavior changes that can range from mild to severe.