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Acquired platelet function defect

Acquired qualitative platelet disorders; Acquired disorders of platelet function

 

Acquired platelet function defects are conditions that prevent clotting elements in the blood called platelets from working as they should. The term acquired means these conditions are not present at birth.

Causes

 

Platelet disorders can affect the number of platelets, how well they function, or both. A platelet disorder affects normal blood clotting.

Disorders that can cause problems in platelet function include:

  • Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • Chronic myelogenous leukemia
  • Multiple myeloma
  • Primary myelofibrosis
  • Polycythemia vera
  • Primary thrombocythemia
  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Other causes include:

  • Kidney (renal) failure
  • Medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillin, phenothiazines, and prednisone (after long-term use)

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms may include any of the following:

  • Heavy menstrual periods or prolonged bleeding (more than 5 days each period)
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Blood in the urine
  • Bleeding under the skin or into the muscles
  • Bruising easily or pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • Gastrointestinal bleeding resulting in bloody, dark black, or tarry bowel movements ; or vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Nosebleeds

 

Exams and Tests

 

Tests that may done include:

  • Bleeding time
  • Platelet aggregation test
  • Platelet count
  • PT and PTT

 

Treatment

 

Treatment is aimed at fixing the cause of the problem:

  • Bone marrow disorders are often treated with platelet transfusions or removing platelets from the blood (platelet pheresis).
  • Chemotherapy may be used to treat an underlying condition that is causing the problem.
  • Platelet function defects caused by kidney failure are treated with dialysis or medicines.
  • Platelet problems caused by a certain medicine are treated by stopping the drug.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Most of the time, treating the cause of the problem corrects the defect.

 

Possible Complications

 

Complications may include:

  • Bleeding that does not stop easily
  • Anemia (due to excessive bleeding)

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your health care provider if:

  • You have bleeding and do not know the cause
  • Your symptoms get worse
  • Your symptoms do not improve after you are treated for an acquired platelet function defect

 

Prevention

 

Using medicines as directed can reduce the risk of drug-related acquired platelet function defects. Treating other disorders may also reduce the risk. Some cases cannot be prevented.

 

 

Open References

References

Diz-Kucukkaya R, Lopez JA, Acquired disorders of platelet function. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi JI, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 132.

Jobe S, Di Paola J. Congenital and acquired disorders of platelet function. In: Kitchens CS, Kessler CM, Konkle BA, eds. Consultative Hemostasis and Thrombosis . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 10.

 
  • Blood clot formation

    Blood clot formation - illustration

    Blood clotting normally occurs when there is damage to a blood vessel. Platelets immediately begin to adhere to the cut edges of the vessel and release chemicals to attract even more platelets. A platelet plug is formed, and the external bleeding stops. Next, small molecules, called clotting factors, cause strands of blood-borne materials, called fibrin, to stick together and seal the inside of the wound. Eventually, the cut blood vessel heals and the blood clot dissolves after a few days.

    Blood clot formation

    illustration

  • Blood clots

    Blood clots - illustration

    Blood clots (fibrin clots) are the clumps that result when blood coagulates.

    Blood clots

    illustration

    • Blood clot formation

      Blood clot formation - illustration

      Blood clotting normally occurs when there is damage to a blood vessel. Platelets immediately begin to adhere to the cut edges of the vessel and release chemicals to attract even more platelets. A platelet plug is formed, and the external bleeding stops. Next, small molecules, called clotting factors, cause strands of blood-borne materials, called fibrin, to stick together and seal the inside of the wound. Eventually, the cut blood vessel heals and the blood clot dissolves after a few days.

      Blood clot formation

      illustration

    • Blood clots

      Blood clots - illustration

      Blood clots (fibrin clots) are the clumps that result when blood coagulates.

      Blood clots

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for Acquired platelet function defect

         
           

          Review Date: 1/22/2015

          Reviewed By: Rita Nanda, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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