Adolescent Bleeding Clinic

The Adolescent Bleeding Clinic (ABC) cares for people with bleeding disorders who need additional support to manage their periods. This specialty clinic brings together specialists from the Gynecology and Hematology departments to help your child feel supported and healthy as they navigate the teen years with a bleeding disorder.

Our collaborative approach to diagnosis, treatment and management allows your family to get the care your child needs with fewer appointments. Your child’s care team includes physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses and a social worker.

Bleeding disorders in children and teens

Bleeding disorders affect about 1% of the population. The most common type of bleeding disorder is Von Willebrand’s. Children’s Mercy cares for about 250 kids with bleeding disorders each year.

Symptoms of a bleeding disorder include:

• Easy bruising.
• Bleeding gums.
• Heavy bleeding from small cuts or dental work.
• Unexplained nose bleeds.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Bleeding into joints.
• Excessive bleeding following surgery.

If your child’s doctor suspects they may have a bleeding disorder, they will run blood tests to determine a diagnosis. Children with bleeding disorders often have anemia as well.

The Adolescent Bleeding Clinic meets about every 3 months in the Hematology department.

Treatment

Treatment options for bleeding disorders include medication and infusions. Your care team will discuss additional options specific to managing a bleeding disorder once your child has started their period.