Acquired Platelet Function Disorder

An acquired platelet function disorder refers to an abnormality in the clotting ability of the platelets that develops sometime after birth. Platelets are a type of cell found in the blood that help the blood to clot. A number of disorders can affect the function of platelets.

What is going on in the body?

Platelets, along with a number of other substances in the blood, help blood to clot. When a person cuts him- or herself, blood must clot, or turn solid, to stop the bleeding. When platelets lose their ability to function for any reason, abnormal bleeding and bruising may occur.

What are the causes and risks of the condition?

There are many possible causes of acquired platelet function defect. Common causes are as follows:

What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

An acquired platelet function disorder may cause no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild, unless the person has another blood-clotting problem. Some of the symptoms include:

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of acquired platelet function defect begins with a medical history and physical exam. A blood test called a complete blood count, or CBC, is often done first. This test counts the number and types of cells in the blood.

If the platelet count is in a healthy range, a test called the bleeding time can help confirm the diagnosis. In this test, the forearm is scratched to cause a small area of bleeding. The amount of time it takes for the scratch to stop bleeding is then measured. When the platelets are not working properly, this time will be longer than normal.

More specialized tests of platelet function may also be done. These tests can help detect the exact type and severity of the problem.

What can be done to prevent the condition?

Most cases of acquired platelet function defect cannot be prevented. Avoiding alcohol abuse, which is the most common cause of cirrhosis, could prevent many cases due to liver disease.

What are the long-term effects of the condition?

Most long-term effects are related to the cause of the acquired platelet function defect. For example, cases due to medicines usually go away when the medicine is stopped. These cases may cause no long-term effects. If the cause is cancer or liver disease, death may result. In rare cases, platelet function problems can cause serious abnormal bleeding in certain areas, such as the brain.

What are the risks to others?

Acquired platelet function disorders pose no risk to others.

What are the treatments for the condition?

If the cause is a medicine, the medicine can be stopped, and the problem usually goes away. In cases due to other causes, treatment is directed at the cause when possible. Someone who has blood cancer may need chemotherapy. An individual with systemic lupus erythematosus may need medicines such as prednisone to suppress the immune system.

Regardless of the cause, a platelet transfusion, which is similar to a blood transfusion, can be given if severe bleeding occurs. Rarely, a drug called DDAVP is used when platelet bleeding problems occur in a person with kidney failure.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

A platelet transfusion may cause an allergic reaction or infection. DDAVP may cause fluid retention and high blood pressure.

What happens after treatment for the condition?

If the condition is caused by a medicine, it will go away after the medicine is stopped. No further treatment may be needed in these cases. Those with more serious causes, such as cancer or liver failure, often need further treatment for these conditions.

How is the condition monitored?

Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the doctor. Tests of platelet function may also be repeated in some cases.

Author:Thomas Fisher, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Crist, Gayle P., MS, BA
Edit Date:08/17/02
Reviewer:Adam Brochert, MD
Date Reviewed:08/20/01

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