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Platelet Function Disorders in Hematology

Inherited and acquired qualitative platelet defects with bleeding phenotype

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Hematoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Platelet Function Disorders in Hematology?

Platelet function disorders manifest as mucocutaneous bleeding with normal or near normal platelet count. Bleeding history typically includes epistaxis, gum bleeding, easy bruising, heavy menses, and bleeding after dental extraction or surgery, while joint bleeds are uncommon outside coagulation factor deficiencies.

Inherited disorders include Glanzmann thrombasthenia from glycoprotein two b three a deficiency, Bernard Soulier syndrome from glycoprotein one b complex deficiency, storage pool diseases, and signal transduction defects. Acquired causes include aspirin and other antiplatelet drugs, uremia, paraproteinemia, and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Evaluation begins with bleeding history quantified by validated scores and excludes von Willebrand disease and coagulation factor deficiency. Light transmission aggregometry, flow cytometry for glycoprotein expression, and electron microscopy refine inherited diagnoses. Management combines tranexamic acid, desmopressin, recombinant factor seven a, and platelet transfusion for major events.

Symptoms

Recurrent epistaxis from childhood
Easy bruising and gum bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged bleeding after dental extraction
Postoperative bleeding tendency

Risk Factors

Family history of bleeding
Consanguinity in autosomal recessive disorders
Chronic kidney disease and uremia
Antiplatelet medication exposure
Underlying paraproteinemia or myeloproliferative neoplasm

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • When mucocutaneous bleeding is recurrent
  • When postsurgical bleeding is unexplained
  • When heavy menses cause anemia
  • When family history suggests inherited bleeding
  • When bleeding follows new medication

Treatment Methods

01
Bleeding history with validated bleeding scores
02
Light transmission aggregometry and PFA hundred
03
Flow cytometry for glycoprotein two b three a and one b
04
Tranexamic acid for mucosal bleeding
05
Desmopressin for selected disorders
06
Recombinant factor seven a for major bleeding
07
Avoidance of antiplatelet drugs and contact sports

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Hematoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.