Blutverlusts

Blutverlusts refers to the loss of blood from the circulatory system and can be external or internal. It may occur acutely after injury or surgery, or chronically from conditions such as ulcers or heavy menstrual bleeding. Severity is often described as mild (up to ~15% of total blood volume), moderate (15–30%), or severe (>30%). Rapid loss can cause hypovolemia and shock.

Causes include traumatic injury, surgical blood loss, obstetric hemorrhage, gastrointestinal bleeding (ulcers, varices), ruptured aneurysms, and coagulation disorders or anticoagulant therapy. Chronic losses can arise from persistent menstruation, peptic disease, or kidney-related platelet dysfunction.

Clinical signs vary with the rate of loss. Early symptoms include tachycardia, pallor, and anxiety; as volume declines, hypotension, confusion, and fainting may occur. External bleeding is treated with direct pressure; internal bleeding may show abdominal pain or swelling. Lab tests often reveal lowered hemoglobin and hematocrit, though these changes can lag behind the actual blood loss.

Management aims to maintain airway and circulation, stop the bleeding, and replace lost fluid. In emergencies, this may involve compression, tourniquets, intravenous fluids, and blood transfusion. Treat the underlying cause and coagulopathy, and monitor vital signs, urine output, and laboratory values to guide further care.

Prevention focuses on safety and rapid medical attention for significant bleeding. Prognosis depends on the amount and speed of blood loss, the source, and the timeliness of treatment. With prompt management, many patients recover, but severe or untreated losses carry substantial risk of shock and organ damage.

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