Hematologic Symptoms

Hematologic conditions have a significant impact on feelings of wellness and overall health. Blood conditions including anemia, thrombocytopenia, and bleeding or clotting disorders have the potential to significantly impact quality of life. These conditions may be primary and lifelong or may be secondary to other conditions or therapies. This chapter reviews common causes of hematologic conditions, as well as ways to manage symptoms and improve outcomes. Interdisciplinary care throughout the lifetime of a patient with a hematologic condition is critical, especially as multiple organ systems may be affected by any disorder that affects the blood. Treatment options including disease-modifying therapies, transfusion, blood and marrow transplant, and gene therapy will be discussed. Patients and families need information, support, and guidance as they traverse multifaceted and complex systems of care, and an interdisciplinary team can be beneficial to optimize quality of life.