heme/onc

Von Willebrand Factor (vWF) is a glycoprotein that serves as a "glue" between subendothelial collagen and platelets. More specifically: subendothelial collagen ↔ vWF's A3 domain ↔ vWF's A1 domain ↔ GPIb platelet receptor. vWF...

As a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist, hemostasis, coagulopathy, and blood salvation are important considerations in the operations I'm involved with. Cell Saver is one technique our perfusion team routinely utilizes to facilitate blood conservation. Blood loss...

We’ve all seen “type and screen” orders, but what does a blood type tell us? ABO grouping refers to the surface antigens on our red blood cells (RBCs). For example, type A RBCs have A...

Patients with liver cirrhosis often have low platelets (splenic sequestration) and elevated INRs due to decreased synthesis of factor VII, among other clotting factors; however, remember that they also have reduced synthesis of anticoagulant...

Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) routinely administered subcutaneously (SC) for prophylaxis or treatment of deep vein thrombosis, acute pulmonary embolism, and even medically-managed STEMIs (+/- percutaneous coronary interventions). Remember that traditional...

There are over 8 million Jehovah's Witnesses (JWs) worldwide who routinely do not accept whole blood, packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, or cryoprecipitate. This stems from their interpretation of Biblical scripture....

Desmopressin (DDAVP, antidiuretic hormone) is a synthetic analog of vasopressin that can be administered IV, IM, subQ, and orally. Compared to vasopressin (generally regarded as a potent vasoconstrictor), DDAVP has less efficacy as a...

Factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B) was first described in the 1950s by British doctors caring for a young boy. That child's, who later went on to have a disease and clotting factor named in...