COAGULATION UNKNOWNS:
SUGGESTIONS TO PREPARE FOR DISCUSSION

• Read the case history thoroughly. Suggest further clinical information (history and physical examination) to obtain if needed.
• Make a list of differential diagnosis based on the clinical history and screening coagulation laboratory results.
• Formulate a strategy for diagnosis (sequence of tests ordered). Put emphasis on proper utilization of laboratory tests (to prevent over-utilization) and still obtaining optimal care for patients with adequate laboratory testing (short turn-around-time).
• State different treatment plans for the most probable diagnoses.
• Answers for these cases are provided at the end of the case list. Note that the work-up process is the focus of these case studies, not the diagnosis itself since similar clinical scenarios may lead to different diagnoses.
  
  
  
  

Suggestions for reading materials:
1. Chapters on coagulation in Kjeldsberg, “Hematologic Disorders”, ASCP Press
2. WEB COAG:
http://dpalm.med.uth.tmc.edu/faculty/bios/nguyen/Webcoag/Wbcoagjs/Webcoag.htm