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Dr. Christina Amend, MD is a pediatric oncologist in Madison, WI specializing in pediatric hematology/oncology, hospital medicine (hospitalist) and general pediatrics. She graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. Dr. Christina Amend, MD is affiliated with UW Health.
Hemophilia
Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which blood cannot clot normally. After an injury, people who have hemophilia bleed longer because they lack certain blood proteins that are responsible for clotting, called clotting factors. Some hemophiliacs are mildly deficient in this protein, so they bleed only when injured or after surgery. Those who are severely deficient, however, may experience symptoms of spontaneous bleeding, including the following:
Most people with hemophilia have a family history of the disorder, though about 30% do not. The most common forms are hemophilia A (classic hemophilia) and hemophilia B (Christmas disease). Hemophilia A and B share certain characteristics, but different genes are involved. Acquired hemophilia is very rare and has been linked to autoimmune conditions, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.
Hemophilia may be diagnosed using a blood test. If there is family history of the disorder, testing may be done prenatally. Treatment involves regular intravenous replacement of clotting factors, which may be produced in a laboratory (recombinant) or come from blood donors. For people with milder forms of the disease, a hormone called desmopressin may stimulate the body to produce clotting factors. Other drug therapies include medications that help slow the breakdown of blood clots and medications that are applied directly to the wound to promote clotting.
Living with hemophilia can be challenging, but simple things may help prevent excessive bleeding. For example, choosing activities like walking or swimming over contact sports can prevent injuries and strengthen muscles while protecting the joints. Chances for bleeding may also be reduced by making sure that children wear helmets and elbow pads during activities like bicycle rides.
Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
Thrombocytopenia is a disorder where people have too few platelets. With too few platelets in the bloodstream, the blood is unable to properly clot. People with thrombocytopenia may experience prolonged external and internal bleeding. Large purple bruises (ecchymoses) and small red skin spots (petechiae) in the skin and mouth are common in those with thrombocytopenia. Other symptoms of the disorder include bleeding gums, blood in bodily fluids, and fatigue. Thrombocytopenia most often arises from a different condition or treatment, such as alcoholism, autoimmune disease, cancer treatments, viruses (such as Hepatitis C and HIV), bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia and aplastic anemia), enlarged spleen, and exposure to toxic chemicals. In rare cases, thrombocytopenia is inherited.
If a doctor suspects a patient has a thrombocytopenia, a complete blood count (CBC) or platelet count test helps determine the concentration of platelets in a person's blood at a given time. Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed by hematologists using advanced tests on platelet samples. Flow cytometry tests detect abnormalities by evaluating the characteristics of a platelet sample using targeted lasers and lights.
Treatments for low platelet counts include steroids like Prednisone, that can assist with platelet production. If a patient's low platelet count is caused by spleen problems, spleen removal (splenectomy) may be recommended. To treat the prolonged bleeding caused by thrombocytopenia, doctors frequently prescribe Dempressin, a hormone that promotes blood clotting. Antifibrinolytic medications such as tranexamic acid may also aid in the promotion of clotting and the prevention of bleeding. For patients with severe platelet disorders (either low platelet count and dysfunctional platelets), blood transfusions may be prescribed. Platelet blood transfusions deliver donated platelets to patients intravenously, replenishing the volume of functioning platelets.
Patients can also modify their lifestyle to better manage their disorder and minimize complications. Patients with low blood counts should avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and activities that could lead to injury. Many people with thrombocytopenia can live healthy and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and precautions.
Dr. Christina Amend, MD graduated from Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed residency at University of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the Pediatrics and has a state license in Wisconsin.
Medical School: Medical College of Wisconsin
Residency: University of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals
Board Certification: Pediatrics
Licensed In: Wisconsin
Dr. Christina Amend, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Christina Amend, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$40,066
$40,066 |
| $40,066 |
Dr. Christina Amend specializes in hospital medicine (hospitalist), pediatric hematology/oncology, and general pediatrics and practices in Madison, WI and Oshkosh, WI. In Dr. Amend's practice, she is particularly interested in bleeding, immune disorders, and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). She attended medical school at Medical College of Wisconsin. For her professional training, Dr. Amend completed a residency program at a hospital affiliated with the University of Wisconsin. She is affiliated with UW Health.
