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Blood disorders

Blood disorders develop when the body makes too many or not enough red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Common blood disorders include anemia, bleeding disorders such as hemophilia, blood clots, and blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. Read about the latest evidence in our resources.

New blood thinners prove to be safe and effective option for most

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Patient Decision Aid

Preventing Blood Clots After Hip or Knee Replacement Surgery or Surgery for a Broken Hip: A Review of the Research for Adults
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps adults considering or planning to have a total hip or knee replacement surgery or surgery for a broken hip decide on the best method for preventing blood clots after surgery. It facilitates the process by outlining and comparing the benefits, risks and side effects of each treatment option.
Evidence Summary

Pharmacists are at least as good as other professionals at monitoring medications to prevent blood clots
Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (2017)
Patient Decision Aid

Starting on therapy for hemophilia A: choosing the clotting factor concentrate.
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps parents of new patients with hemophilia decide the factor VIII concentrate by outlining the two options (plasma-derived, and recombinant) and comparing the benefits and risks of both options.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Hereditary hemochromatosis (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Hemochromatosis is a condition defined by too much iron in the body. Symptoms include joint pain, weakness, change in skin colour, and liver damage. Phlebotomy, which involves the removal of blood, is used to treat hemochromatosis. Starting treatment early helps to avoid complications. Details in this resource.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Chronic myeloid leukemia is a slow growing cancer of the blood or bone marrow. Details about treatment options - including medications and stem cell transplant - are included in this resource.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Hodgkin lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer related to the lymphatic system. The most common symptom is a painless, swollen lymph node in the neck. Treatments include radiation and chemotherapy.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Antiphospholipid syndrome (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Antiphospholipid syndrome is an immune disorder that can cause blood clots. Medicines such as anticoagulants (blood thinners) are often prescribed for this condition. Details about symptoms and treatment in this resource.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (bone marrow transplantation) (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Bone marrow transplantation is used for treating cancer and other conditions. This resource provides detailed information on the different types of bone marrow transplants, choosing a donor, procedures, and possible side effects.
Evidence Summary

Transfusion thresholds and other strategies for guiding allogeneic red blood cell transfusion.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
UpToDate - patient information

Venous thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein, usually in the legs. The clot blocks blood flow and can cause swelling and pain. Details about risk factors, symptoms, treatment and prevention in this resource.
Evidence Summary

Self-monitoring and self-management of oral anticoagulation.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2016)
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a blood cancer. Chemotherapy is a common treatment - side effects include hair loss, vomiting, and higher risk of infection. More information related to treatment for ALL is available in this resource.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow. Common treatments are chemotherapy and stem cell transplantation. AML in older adults can be more difficult to treat.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Pulmonary embolism (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot leaves a vein and travels to the lung. Treatment includes blood thinners to prevent a new or growing blood clot. This lowers the risk of complications.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Warfarin (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Warfarin is often prescribed for people with high risk of blood clots. Take care to prevent injury and falls while taking this medication and report any abnormal bleeding, bruising or pain to your doctor. More in this resource about foods and medication to avoid while taking warfarin.
Evidence Summary

Antiplatelet agents for preventing thrombosis after peripheral arterial bypass surgery.
Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Diffuse large B cell lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a cancer of a kind of white blood cell known as a lymphocyte. It is more common in men and older adults. You may be treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy. This resource provides detailed information about the disease.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Follicular lymphoma in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Follicular lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells. Older adults, women, and certain ethnicities are at a higher risk. Symptoms include swelling in lymph nodes in the neck, armpit and groin. This resource provides more information on symptoms, diagnosis and staging, and treatment.
Web Resource Rating

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Mayo Clinic

Deep vein thrombosis can be caused by prolonged bedrest or sitting for long periods of time. Symptoms include leg pain or swelling in the leg. This condition can be very serious since it increases your risk for pulmonary embolism. If you have signs of DVT, see your doctor.
Web Resource Rating

Anemia caused by low iron
UpToDate - patient information

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a deficiency of iron in the blood. Common symptoms are weakness, headache and fatigue. Iron supplements can help treat anemia. Side effects of these treatments can include vomiting, constipation and upset stomach.
Web Resource Rating

Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Patient.co.uk

Immune thrombocytopenia is a condition of the immune system. It often has no symptoms, but some people experience bruising or bleeding. Treatment can include medication or surgery. Many adults do not need any treatment.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Blood donation and transfusion (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

If you choose to donate blood, you will first be asked about your medical history, age and weight. Vital signs and a blood test will be done. Currently, the risk of getting an infection from blood transfusion is very low.
Web Resource Rating

Patient education: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in adults (Beyond the Basics)
UpToDate - patient information

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a slow developing cancer. Careful monitoring can help determine if and when treatment is necessary. People with advanced CLL are treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Patient Decision Aid

Blood Transfusions: Should I Bank Blood Before Surgery?
OHRI

This patient decision aid helps patients awaiting surgery decide on whether or not to bank blood before surgery by comparing the benefits, risks, and side effects of both options.
Blog Post

Thrombosis: What you need to know

Did you know one in four people die of conditions related to thrombosis? In this three-minute video, hematologist Dr. Wendy Lim discusses how blood clots can impact blood flow, potentially leading to serious health issues like strokes or heart attacks. Learn how to recognize symptoms and take preventive measures.
Blog Post

Deep vein thrombosis: Symptoms, causes and treatments

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in your body, typically in one of your legs. In this video, Dr. Rick Ikesaka talks about the signs and symptoms of DVT, how to reduce your risk, the role that compression stockings can play and treatment options, such as the use of blood thinners.
Blog Post

New blood thinners prove to be safe and effective option for most

New types of blood thinners are effective at preventing blood clots and are safe for most older adults.

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