[Principal symptoms in hemostasis disorders].

In a retrospective study the results of laboratory investigations were correlated with actual or previous bleeding symptoms of 40 patients. In 22 patients, a defect of hemostasis was documented in the laboratory, whereas the bleeding disorder, suggested by severe hemorrhage, could not be classified in 3 additional patients. In the remaining 15 individuals, no abnormality could be detected by the available laboratory methods. In the group with a documented bleeding disorder, 13 of 22 patients had prolonged bleeding following dental extraction or other surgery of the oral cavity. Other bleeding symptoms were equally distributed among patients with and without a documented defect. 3 patients had a positive family history, i.e. relatives with a hemorrhagic tendency. In 6 patients, a correlation between bleeding and the ingestion of acetylsalicylic acid could be established, while in 4 it was probable. Hemorrhagic complications following oral surgery, particularly in combination with drugs known to interfere with platelet function and a positive family history, strongly suggest an abnormality of hemostasis. Among the 22 patients with a documented defect of hemostasis, only 6 were found who did not present at least one of these leading symptoms.