Platelet function disorders can be inherited, but they may also occur as a symptom of acquired diseases or as a side effect of certain drugs, including aspirin.
Inherited platelet function disorders cannot be prevented except by genetic counseling ; however, some acquired function disorders may be guarded against by avoiding substances that trigger the disorder.
The outcome depends on the specific disorder and the severity of its symptoms. Platelet function disorders range from life-threatening conditions to easily treated or little-noticed problems.
Bleeding time reflects the integrity of the vascular system and platelet function in the body. It measures how long it takes for bleeding to stop after a standardized skin puncture, indicating the efficiency of platelet adhesion, aggregation, and the function of the blood vessels. Prolonged bleeding time may suggest platelet disorders, vascular abnormalities, or the effects of certain medications. However, it is not a comprehensive test for all clotting disorders.
Common symptoms of platelet function disorders include bleeding from the nose, mouth, vagina, or anus; pinpoint bruises and purplish patches on the skin; and abnormally heavy menstrual bleeding.
Some patients may require iron and folate supplements to counteract potential anemia. Platelet transfusions may be necessary to prevent life-threatening hemorrhaging in some cases.
An elevated mean platelet volume (MPV) can be caused by several factors, including increased platelet production in response to inflammation or infection, certain bone marrow disorders, and conditions that lead to platelet destruction. Additionally, elevated MPV is often associated with cardiovascular diseases, as larger platelets are more reactive and may contribute to thrombotic events. Other causes may include metabolic disorders, such as diabetes, and various hematological conditions.
Giant platelets, which are larger than normal platelets, can indicate underlying hematological conditions, such as Bernard-Soulier syndrome or Myeloproliferative disorders. Their presence may affect platelet function, leading to bleeding tendencies or thrombotic complications. Clinically, the identification of giant platelets can prompt further diagnostic evaluation and management of associated disorders. Monitoring their levels is crucial in patients with known platelet function abnormalities.
A MPV count stands for Mean Platelet Volume. A low count during this test may suggest that your platelet count is lower than normal. Some causes to this include viral infections, certain drugs, thrombocytopenia, and some genetic disorders.
Immature platelet fraction (IPF) refers to the percentage of newly formed platelets in the bloodstream, indicating the bone marrow's activity in producing platelets. A higher IPF suggests increased platelet production, often seen in conditions like thrombocytopenia or recovery from bone marrow suppression. Conversely, a low IPF may indicate decreased platelet production or a chronic state of low platelet levels. Clinically, IPF can help assess the underlying causes of platelet disorders and monitor treatment responses.
aids in the evaluation of bleeding disorders by measuring the rate and degree to which platelets form a clump (aggregate) after the addition of a chemical that stimulates clumping (aggregation).
DefinitionAcquired platelet function defects are diseases or conditions that cause the blood elements needed for blood clotting (platelets) to not work properly. The term "acquired" means these diseases or conditions are not inherited, but instead develop independently in a person.Alternative NamesAcquired qualitative platelet disorders; Acquired disorders of platelet functionCauses, incidence, and risk factorsWith platelet disorders, there may be too many or too few platelets, or platelets that do not function well. Any platelet disorder affects blood clotting.These disorders can be caused by diseases that are present at birth (congenital), or they may develop because of another disease or condition. In many cases, the platelet count may be normal or even high, but there will be evidence of a bleeding disorder.Disorders that can cause problems in platelet function include:Chronic myelogenous leukemiaMyelofibrosisPolycythemia veraPrimary thrombocythemiaOther causes include:Kidney (renal) failureMultiple myelomaMedications such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillins, phenothiazines, and prednisone (after long-term use)SymptomsAbnormal color of urine (blood in the urine)Abnormal menstrual periodsHeavy menstrual periodsProlonged menstrual bleeding (more than 5 days per menstrual period)Abnormal vaginal bleedingBleeding under the skin or in the muscles (soft tissues)Gastrointestinal bleedingBloody, dark black, or tarry bowel movementsVomiting bloodor vomiting material that resembles coffee groundsNosebleedsProlonged bleeding, easy bruisingSkin rashBruisesPinpoint red spots (petechiae)Signs and testsBleeding timePlatelet aggregation testPlatelet countPT and PTTTreatmentTreatment is aimed at the cause of the problem.Bone marrow disorders (which have abnormally high numbers of platelets) are treated with platelet transfusions or by removing platelets from the blood and replacing them with donated platelets (plateletpheresis)Kidney failure is treated with dialysis or a drug called ddAVPPlatelet problems caused by medication are treated by stopping the medicationExpectations (prognosis)Treating the cause of the problem usually corrects the defect.ComplicationsProlonged bleedingSevere anemiaCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider:If you have bleeding and do not know the causeIf your symptoms get worse or do not improve after you are treated for an acquired platelet function defectPreventionUsing medications carefully can reduce the risk of drug-related acquired platelet function defects. Treating other disorders may also reduce the risk. Some cases are not preventable.ReferencesMcMillan R. Hemorrhagic disorders: Abnormalities of platelet and vascular function. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 179.
Low platelet count, also known as thrombocytopenia, can lead to excessive bleeding and difficulty in blood clotting. It can result from conditions such as immune system disorders, viral infections, certain medications, and bone marrow disorders. Adequate treatment may involve addressing the underlying cause, medications to stimulate platelet production, or platelet transfusions in severe cases.