Acquired platelet function defect

Acquired platelet function defect

Definition:

Non-hereditary diseases or associated conditions that cause the platelets (the blood cells essential for coagulation) to not function properly.

Alternative Names:

Acquired qualitative platelet disorders; Acquired disorders of platelet function

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Platelets are blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Platelet disorders can include inappropriate number of platelets (too many or too few), or normal number but inappropriate functioning of the platelets. Any platelet disorder affects blood clotting.

Disorders of platelet function can be caused by congenital diseases or acquired conditions. Acquired platelet function disorders are disorders of inappropriate platelet function, and that develop as a result of another disease or condition (acquired). In many cases, the platelet count may be normal or even elevated, but evidence of a bleeding disorder will be present. Myeloproliferative disorders such as primary thrombocytopenia, polycythemia vera, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and myelofibrosis can produce abnormalities in platelet function. Other causes include renal failure, multiple myeloma, and medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory medications, penicillins, phenothiazines, prednisone (prolonged use), and others.

Symptoms:

Nosebleeds
Prolonged bleeding, bruising easily
Bleeding under the skin or in the muscles (soft tissues)
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Menstrual periods - abnormal
- Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia)
- Prolonged menstrual bleeding (more than five days per menstrual period)
Gastrointestinal bleeding
- Vomiting blood or vomiting coffee ground material
- Bloody or dark black or tarry bowel movements (melena)
Skin rash
- Pinpoint red spots (petechiae)
- Bruises (ecchymoses)
- Multiple lesions
Urine - abnormal color (blood in the urine)

Signs and tests:

Platelet aggregation test
Prolonged bleeding time
Normal, high, or low platelet count
Normal PT and PTT results

Treatment:

Treatment is directed at the cause of the abnormality. Dialysis reduces the bleeding tendency if the cause is renal failure. Platelet transfusions or plateletpheresis (removal of platelets from the blood and replacement with donated platelets) may be indicated in myeloproliferative disorders. Medication-induced platelet abnormalities require discontinuation of the medication.

Expectations (prognosis):

Treatment of the cause of the abnormality usually corrects the defect.

Complications:

Prolonged bleeding
Severe anemia

Calling your health care provider:

If bleeding of unknown cause is present.
If symptoms worsen or do not improve after treatment of an acquired platelet function defect.

Prevention:

Care in the use of medications can reduce the risk of drug-related acquired platelet function defects. Treatment of other disorders may also reduce risk. Some cases are not preventable.

Review Date: 10/14/2001
Reviewed By: Rebecca Elstrom, M.D., Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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