Acquired platelet function defect

Acquired qualitative platelet disorders; Acquired disorders of platelet function

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 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

Tests that may done include:

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

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.

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

Complications may include:

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

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

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.