Medical Health Encyclopedia

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome


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Circulatory system
Circulatory system
Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention
Alternative Names

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia; HHT


Treatment

Treatments include:

  • Surgery to treat bleeding in some areas
  • Electrocautery or laser surgery to treat frequent or heavy nosebleeds
  • Endovascular embolization to treat abnormal blood vessels in the brain and other parts of the body

Some patients respond to estrogen therapy, which can reduce bleeding episodes. Avoid taking blood-thinning medications.

Some patients may need to take antibiotics before having dental work or surgery. Ask your doctor what precautions you should take.


Support Groups

HHT Foundation International -- www.hht.org


Expectations (prognosis)




People with this syndrome can live a completely normal lifespan, depending on the parts of the body where the AVMs are located.


Complications
  • Heart failure
  • High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension)
  • Internal bleeding
  • Shortness of breath

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if your child has frequent nose bleeds or other signs of this disease.



Review Date: 05/15/2011
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).

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