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Barbara Schwabenbauer, CRNP is a nurse in Jefferson Hills, PA specializing in oncology (cancer care) and hematology (blood disorders). Barbara Schwabenbauer, CRNP is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network (AHN), ONCOLOGY HEMATOLOGY ASSOCIATION INC, Allegheny Clinic Medical Oncology and ALLEGHENY CLINIC MEDICAL ONCOLOGY.
575 Coal Valley Road Suite 400
Jefferson Hills, PA 15025
Anemia
Anemia is the most common blood disorder. It occurs when the body does not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the tissues. Blood loss, insufficient red blood cell production, and red blood cell destruction are the three main causes of anemia. These issues may arise from such conditions as iron deficiency, heavy periods, ulcers, kidney disease, as well as some forms of cancer.
An individual with anemia will have the following symptoms: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, cold hands or feet, paleness, and irritability. Anemia is diagnosed when blood tests show low counts for hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to different tissues throughout the body.
Treatments for anemia are dependent on the kind of anemia an individual has. For example, iron supplementation may correct iron deficiency anemia. For anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, chemotherapy treatments, and HIV/AIDS, a group of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed.
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.
Thrombocytosis (High Platelet Count)
Thrombocytosis is a disorder where people have too high of a concentration of platelets. Excess platelets can cause blood to clot in the veins. Blood clots in the veins are particularly dangerous, as they can obstruct blood flow and cause heart attacks and strokes. Thrombocytosis has two forms:
If a doctor suspects a patient has thrombocytosis, a complete blood count (CBC) or platelet count test helps determine the concentration of platelets in a person's blood at a given time. Thrombocytosis 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.
Patients with high platelet counts are frequently prescribed a daily dose of over-the-counter medication aspirin to thin the blood. Platelet-lowering medications, such as hydroxyurea and Intron A, may reduce the likelihood of blood clot formation. Excess platelets may also be removed from the blood by a procedure called plateletpheresis or platelet reduction apheresis, where blood is drawn, circulated into a centrifuge that separates the blood components, and returned to the body with some platelets extracted. Plateletpheresis is a rare procedure reserved for patients who have severe clotting.
Patients can also modify their lifestyle to better manage their disorder and minimize complications. Patients with thrombocytosis are advised to drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and to avoid smoking. Many people with thrombocytosis live healthy and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and precautions.
She has a state license in Pennsylvania.
Licensed In: Pennsylvania
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Ms. Barbara Schwabenbauer is an oncology (cancer care) specialist in Pittsburgh, PA and Jefferson Hills, PA. These areas are among Ms. Schwabenbauer's clinical interests: bladder cancer, esophageal cancer, and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). She is affiliated with Allegheny Health Network (AHN). She is not accepting new patients at this time according to Yext.