HEMATOLOGY

Hematological disorders can be classified into malignant and nonmalignant blood disorders. Nonmalignant blood disorders include hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia and sickle-cell anemia, other types of anemias, and coagulopathies such as hemophilia. Hemoglobinopathies are genetic diseases and, apart from α- and β-thalassemia, include diseases caused by abnormal hemoglobin structure, manifesting in mild to severe anemia and multi-organ problems. Clotting disorders with genetic causes also include hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease, both of which are caused by low levels of clotting factors in the blood.

Other nonmalignant disorders like anemia and pulmonary embolism could be caused by various factors, including diet and lifestyle. Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is a hematological disease characterized by an abnormal drop in the blood platelet concentration, which then results in bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, and internal bleeding since platelets are involved in clotting. While idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura is not inherited or contagious, the cause is yet unknown. In most cases, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura occurs in children after a viral infection such as chicken pox.