Normally, when you damage a blood vessel, you start to bleed or bruise. Clots are the body’s way of sealing cuts or injuries to stop bleeding.

Normally, when a blood vessel breaks, small shards of cells in the blood called platelets make clots. They rush to the site of the break and stick to the broken edges of the vessel. They clump together to seal off openings. This stops the blood from leaking out.

Then, proteins called clotting factors come along and strengthen the plug. These proteins work to form strands of fibrin that weave through the platelets and hold the clot in place. This makes the platelet plug strong and stable — like adding mortar between bricks.

Sometimes, clots break off or form inside the blood vessels, called a thrombosis. Clots can block blood flow, injuring organs and causing other health issues.

When clots block blood flow in large veins or arteries, it can be an emergency. They can cause pain, swelling or serious complications if untreated.

Examples include:

• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Happens most often in the leg but can also form in the arm. A clot forms in the vein and blocks blood flow. It can cause pain, swelling or redness. The clot can break loose and travel to other parts of the body, causing more problems.
• Pulmonary embolism (PE): The blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow. It can cause chest pain, shortness of breath or even be life-threatening.
• Stroke: A clot travels to the head and blocks blood flow in the brain. This can damage brain cells and cause problems with speaking, movement or memory.

Clots can also form in smaller veins, including the:

• Cerebral venous sinus (CVST): Veins in the brain. A blood clot here can cause headaches, vision problems or seizures.
• Portal vein: The vein that carries blood to the liver. A clot here can cause belly pain, swelling or damage to the liver.
• Renal vein: The vein that drains the kidney. A blood clot here may cause back pain, blood in the urine or kidney damage.

Based on your child’s diagnosis, age and overall health, we tailor a care plan for them. Your child’s doctor will talk with you about the safest and most effective treatment options for their needs.

Their care plan may include:

• Blood-thinning medicine: Medicines to help prevent new clots and stop existing ones from growing.
• Catheter-directed thrombolysis: A thin tube delivers clot-busting medicine to help break up a clot.
• IV or injectable medicines: In urgent cases, your child’s doctor may give clot-busting drugs through an IV.
• Supportive care: Compression stockings, mobility support and hydration plans. These can reduce clot risk and improve recovery.
• Regular monitoring: Your child’s care may include routine follow-up visits. We’ll do blood tests and imaging to track progress and adjust treatment.

Some conditions, like purpura fulminans, involve both clotting and bleeding. These may also need blood product transfusions or clot-promoting medicines.

When your child has a clotting disorder, we know it can feel overwhelming. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

On your first visit to the MACC Fund Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, we will:

• Review your child’s medical history and symptoms
• Do a physical exam and order any needed blood tests or imaging
• Talk with you about possible causes of the clotting problem
• Begin creating a personalized care plan

Some children may need genetic testing to identify the underlying condition causing their clotting problem. We’ll explain every step in clear language and answer all your questions.

When you come to Children’s Wisconsin for bleeding disorder care, here’s what you can expect:

• A team approach: You’ll meet doctors, nurses and experts who all focus on kids with bleeding disorders. Members of our team include hematologists, nurses. social workers, psychologists, physical therapists and genetic couselors. They will support your child’s medical and emotional needs.
• A tailored care plan: Based on your child’s diagnosis, we’ll create a care plan that fits their needs. That may mean medicines, lifestyle changes or monitoring.
• Education and support: We’ll teach you about your child’s condition and how to handle bleeding at home. We’ll connect you with helpful resources.
• Follow-up care: We’ll track how your child is doing over time. We can adjust your child’s care as needed. We’re here to support you long-term.