Abstract

Congenital afibrinogenemia is a bleeding disorder caused by a blood clotting disorder. Normally, blood clots protect the body after an injury by blocking damaged blood vessels and preventing further blood loss. However, bleeding is uncontrolled in patients with congenital afibrinogenemia. Newborns with this condition often have prolonged bleeding from the umbilical cord stump after birth. Nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums and tongue are common and can occur without minor trauma or injury (spontaneous bleeding). Some people bleed between their joints and into their muscles. Rarely, bleeding into the brain or other internal organs can be fatal. Women with congenital afibrinogenemia may have abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). Without proper treatment, women with this condition may have difficulty getting pregnant and have repeated miscarriages.