Central Texas Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders at Dell Children’s
If your child has been diagnosed with a bleeding or clotting disorder or if your family has been referred for a diagnosis or treatment, your child needs a pediatrics-dedicated center that provides specialized, comprehensive care to help them stay healthy and manage symptoms. The Central Texas Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders is a federally-funded Hemophilia Treatment Center (HTC) that provides advanced care for children and adolescents with hemophilia, other bleeding disorders, and clotting disorders. Our specialists have the expertise to diagnose and treat babies, children, and teenagers. We offer the most up-to-date therapies as well as preventative care.
When you choose Dell Children’s for your child’s bleeding or clotting disorder care, your family will have a multispecialty care team that includes hematologists (blood doctors), gynecologists when applicable, certified pediatric hematology nurses, physical therapists, social workers, behavioral health specialists, nutritionists, child life specialists, research staff, and school liaison support. We get to know you and your child by listening to your concerns and understanding your child's daily needs. Your family’s dedicated care team works together to create and deliver a personalized care plan that’s right for your child. Only in Austin. Only at Dell Children’s.
Diagnosing and treating blood disorders
The two most common bleeding disorders are Hemophilia and von Willebrand Disease. In addition, there are several more rare bleeding disorders usually related to deficiency in other clotting factors.
Hemophilia
There are three types of hemophilia — A, B and C. Each has different clotting factors and treatments. Symptoms of hemophilia may include bruising easily, bleeding more during surgery or dental work, frequent nosebleeds and heavy menstrual bleeding. Pediatric hematologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of hemophilia A, B and C. There is a misconception at some centers that girls/women cannot have hemophilia; as many of the latest studies show this is absolutely not the case, and we are committed to making sure that girls/women with hemophilia at our center receive all the appropriate care and support.
von Willebrand Disease
von Willebrand Disease (vWD), which affects about 1% of the American population, is the most common bleeding disorder and is also often inherited. Those affected by vWD either do not have enough vW factor and/or the factor does not function properly. This can lead to bruising easily, bleeding more during surgery or dental work, frequent nosebleeds, and heavy menstrual bleeding, and in very severe cases internal bleeding. There is Type 1 vWD (the most common and generally least severe), Type 2 vWD (when vW factor does not function properly, there are four subtypes), and Type 3 vWD (the rarest and most severe type, when there is essentially no vW factor). There are various treatments that can be used to increase vW factor levels and/or boost overall clotting function, and we are experienced with these. vWD can be difficult to diagnose, but our specialists have expertise in diagnosing vWD and then working with you to develop the right preventative and/or treatment plan for your child.
If your child needs ongoing care for their bleeding disorder, our care teams are here for your family.
Diagnosing and treating clotting disorders
While rarer than in adults, children can develop blood clots in their veins and/or arteries. This can be due to genetic clotting disorders (the most common example is Factor V Leiden, though several disorders exist) and/or external factors that increase clot risk, including severe inflammatory/autoimmune disorders, severe infections, needing a central line, or recent surgeries that decrease mobility. Clots can present as pain, swelling, redness, and/or decreased mobility of an affected arm or leg. Clots can lead to severe and potentially long term health issues if not treated appropriately. A blood clot that travels to the lungs can cause severe chest pain and difficulty breathing while a blood clot in the brain can cause a stroke. Our team of specialists diagnose clots and treat known clots, with access to and experience with the latest therapeutic options. We also have expertise developing the right evaluation, monitoring, and management plan for patients with suspected (based on family history) or known genetic clotting disorders.
Specialized care for bleeding and clotting disorders
Through our comprehensive program, your family will find all the care you need in one place, including:
- Comprehensive annual evaluations and education
- Multidisciplinary clinics
- Including the Young Women’s Bleeding Clinic (YWBC) with combined Pediatric Hematology and Pediatric Gynecology care
- Blood transfusions and clotting factor infusions
- Physical Therapy evaluation and support
- Behavioral Health experts to help your child learn coping skills
- Social Work support services
- School Liaison
- Ability to participate in clinical trials and research studies
Meet the team
- Arun Gurunathan, MD (Director, Central Texas Center for Bleeding and Clotting Disorders)
- Ginna Priola, MD (Young Women’s Bleeding Clinic Hematology Director)
- Robert Mignacca, MD