what are some platelet disorders

Platelet Disorders Overview of Platelet Disorders

• Overview of Platelet Disorders. ...
• Pathophysiology of Platelet Disorders. ...
• Autoimmune Thrombocytopenias. ...
• Disorders of Platelet Function. ...
• Disorders of Secretion and Thromboxane Synthesis. ...
• Platelet Dysfunction in Uremia. ...
• Epidemiology of Platelet Disorders. ...
• Clinical Presentation of Platelet Disorders. ...
• Etiology of Platelet Disorders. ...
• Laboratory Studies. ...

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Full Answer

What do you need to know about living with low platelets?

Managing Low Platelets

• Avoid medications that contain aspirin, anti-inflammatories (like ibuprofen), or blood thinners, unless your healthcare professional recommends otherwise. ...
• Use an electric razor to shave, which may result in fewer nicks and cuts.
• Use extra care when working with sharp objects such as knives or scissors, so as not to accidentally cut yourself.

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What causes platelet dysfunction?

– Beta-lactam antibiotics like penicillin may cause platelet dysfunction by preventing the binding of agonists to their receptors on platelets, inhibiting production of thromboxane B2, and affecting signal transduction after an agonist binds to the receptor. The platelet dysfunction is time and dose dependent.

What are the different types of platelet disease?

These include:

• Thrombocytopenia: There condition occurs when there are too few platelets in circulation within the body. 8
• Thrombocythaemia: A condition where there are too many platelets in circulation in the body. ...
• Dysfunction Disorders: These disorders develop when there is the exact number of platelets in circulation, but these platelets are not working properly.

How many platelets are too many?

Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia. You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). What it means to have too many platelets. The medical term for having too many platelets is thrombocytosis, and there are two ...

What are the signs and symptoms of platelet function disorders?

People with platelet function disorders tend to bleed or bruise more easily. They may have a normal number of platelets or a low platelet count....They can include:Easy bruising.Frequent nosebleeds.Gums that bleed a lot.Heavy menstrual periods (Menorrhagia)Prolonged bleeding with surgery.

Which of the following is the most common platelet disorder?

von Willebrand disease. von Willebrand disease (vWD) is the most common inherited bleeding disorder. It is autosomal dominant, and its prevalence is estimated to be as high as one case per 1000 population.

What can cause abnormal platelets?

Medical conditions Conditions that can raise your risk of high platelet disorders include: Autoimmune disorders, such as thyroid disease, lupus , sarcoidosis, vitamin B12 deficiency anemia, and scleroderma. Blood and bone marrow diseases, such as aplastic anemia, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and leukemia.

What condition is most likely to cause a platelet deficiency?

Autoimmune diseases, such as immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause your immune system to attack and destroy your platelets by mistake. Cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma, can damage your bone marrow and destroy blood stem cells.

How is platelet disorder diagnosed?

Your provider will diagnose a platelet disorder based on your physical exam and results from blood tests. They may order more tests to see whether another medical condition is causing your platelet disorder. You may have to see a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in treating blood disorders.

What cancers cause low platelets?

Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can lower your platelet count. The abnormal cells in these cancers can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow, where platelets are made.

What infections cause low platelets?

Infections with protozoa, bacteria and viruses can cause thrombocytopenia with or without disseminated intravascular coagulation. Commonly dengue, malaria, scrub typhus and other rickettsial infections, meningococci, leptospira and certain viral infections present as fever with thrombocytopenia.

What happens if platelets are abnormal?

Platelets are blood cells that stop bleeding by sticking together to form a clot. Too many platelets, however, can cause your blood to become too sticky. In severe cases, thrombocytosis can cause dangerous clots in your blood vessels, increasing your risk of a stroke or heart attack.

How is abnormal platelets treated?

Medicines to treat high platelet countAnagrelide: This medicine can lower platelet counts in people who have a high risk of complications such as serious blood clots. ... Aspirin: This medicine helps prevent blood clots. ... Hydroxyurea: This is used to reduce platelet counts.More items...•

Can stress cause abnormal platelets?

Stressful life events and anxiety usually cause an increase in platelet volume and activity through various mechanisms. Mean platelet volume (MPV), which is indicative of platelet size, is accepted as an indication of platelet activity.

What is platelet aggregation test?

Platelet aggregation testing: This test looks at how well the platelets stick to one another (aggregation) in response to different stimuli. This test can also be used to measure the effectiveness of aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) therapy.

What is platelet function disorder?

Platelet function disorders are a group of bleeding disorders in which the platelets do not function appropriately, leading to bleeding. These disorders can be inherited (passed down in families) or acquired (developed after birth). Science Photo Library/Creative RF/Getty Images.

What is the best test for platelet function?

The following is a list of commonly used tests. Bleeding time: This test is not considered specific to platelet function disorders, and because of test limitations is not considered an accurate test of the clotting system. Platelet function assay: This is considered to be a good screening test for platelet disorders.

What are the components of platelets that are missing?

Several types of congenital platelet function disorders result in platelets that are larger than normal. Other platelets are missing key components, called granules, which can be seen under the microscope. Sometimes the platelets are normal in appearance and size.

What is factor VIIa?

Factor VIIa (NovoSevenRT) infusion: This factor replacement product can be used in some patients with platelet function disorders. This is used mostly in patients who are unable to receive platelet transfusions as a treatment option.

What is the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome?

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome: A syndrome of immunodeficiency and dysfunctional platelets, this is characterized by very small platelets (most platelet function disorders have normal to large platelets)

What happens if your platelets don't function properly?

If your platelets don't function properly, you are at an increased risk of bleeding. Symptoms may include:

What are Platelet Disorders?

In people with a platelet disorder, the plug at the site of bleeding does not form properly. The bleeding tends to go on for longer than it normally should. Platelet disorders can also impact the later stages of clotting, which can prove to be especially dangerous after a severe injury or surgery.

What are the Common Symptoms of Platelet Disorders?

People with inherited platelet disorders are likely to have a lifelong history of having excessive bleeding or easy bruising after even minor injuries or minor surgeries like dental extractions. Boys may experience heavy bleeding after circumcision. In women, the first sign of platelet disorder is usually when they get their menstrual periods, and there is heavy bleeding. 12

What Are Platelets And What Role Do They Play In The Body?

Simply put, platelets are a type of blood cells. Our blood is made up of different kinds of cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. All these cells are present in a liquid known as plasma.

How does platelet function affect the body?

Platelet function is impacted in different ways. There could be certain changes that occur in the way the body sends signals to the platelets. Platelets may become less sticky, or platelet disease can also be affecting the other stages of the clotting process.

What is Glanzmann's thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia is a rare inherited platelet disorder that is characterized by the impaired functioning of platelets. Symptoms of Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia include abnormal bleeding, which can be severe in some cases. If this disease is left untreated or improperly treated, the hemorrhaging associated with Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia can become life-threatening. 17

What is the role of platelets in blood clots?

Having a platelet disorder, therefore, means that injured blood vessels will not clot quickly, bleed more than usual, and also heal more slowly. Platelets play a critical role in the healing of all types of injuries that result in bleeding. The body needs platelets to form blood clots and stop the bleeding. 1

What is Bernard Soulier?

Bernard Soulier is a type of macrothrombocytopenia, meaning there are several very large platelets present in the blood, along with a low platelet count, and prolonged bleeding time. This is a rare inherited disorder of blood clotting, and it causes people to bleed excessively and also bruise easily. The symptoms of this condition become apparent at birth itself and continue throughout life. Nosebleeds, excessive bleeding from injuries, and/or unusually heavy bleeding during the menstrual period in women are the common symptoms of Bernard Soulier disease. People with this condition also bruise easily, and the bruises tend to linger on. 15

Why is a peripheral smear important?

Peripheral smear examination is important in patients with thrombocytopenia because automated platelet counts sometimes show pseudothrombocytopenia due to platelet clumping caused by a reaction with the ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reagent present in some blood collection tubes. Also, schistocytes may be seen, which can indicate thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC—see table Peripheral Blood Findings in Thrombocytopenic Disorders ).

What are the symptoms of platelet disorder?

Platelet disorders result in a typical pattern of bleeding: 1 Multiple petechiae in the skin (typically most evident on the lower legs) 2 Scattered small ecchymoses at sites of minor trauma or venipuncture sites 3 Mucosal bleeding (oropharyngeal, nasal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary) 4 Excessive bleeding after surgery

What is the process of destroying platelets?

Platelets are eventually destroyed by apoptosis, a process independent of the spleen. Platelet disorders include. An abnormal increase in platelets ( thrombocythemia and reactive thrombocytosis) A decrease in platelets (thrombocytopenia) Platelet dysfunction.

What happens when platelet count is reduced?

When platelet function is reduced (eg, as a result of uremia, or use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug [NSAID] or aspirin ), the risk of bleeding increases. Table. Platelet Count and Bleeding Risk. Platelet Count and Bleeding Risk. Platelet Count.

What is the function of platelets?

Platelets are cell fragments that function in the clotting system. Thrombopoietin helps control the number of circulating platelets by stimulating the bone marrow to produce megakaryocytes, which in turn shed platelets from their cytoplasm. Thrombopoietin is produced in the liver at a constant rate and its circulating level is determined by ...

What is bone marrow aspiration?

Bone marrow aspiration reveals the number and appearance of megakaryocytes and is the definitive test for many disorders that cause bone marrow failure. If the bone marrow is normal but the spleen is enlarged, increased splenic sequestration is the likely cause of thrombocytopenia.

What is the most common pattern of bleeding in the lower leg?

Platelet disorders result in a typical pattern of bleeding: Multiple petechiae in the skin (typically most evident on the lower legs) Scattered small ecchymoses at sites of minor trauma or venipuncture sites. Mucosal bleeding (oropharyngeal, nasal, gastrointestinal, genitourinary) Excessive bleeding after surgery.

What are the complications of platelet function disorders?

Complications of platelet function disorders can include severe bleeding and low iron levels in the blood.

What is a platelet function disorder?

Platelet function disorders are bleeding disorders in which the platelets do not form a strong blood clot. People with platelet function disorders tend to bleed or bruise more easily. They may have a normal number of platelets or a low platelet count. Their platelet size may be small, normal or large.

Why do people need platelet transfusions?

Platelet transfusions, which may be needed for people having major surgery or those with a severe platelet function disorder

What is unexplained thrombocytopenia?

Unexplained thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) that a doctor does not think is related to a problem with bone marrow function

What are the smallest blood cells in the body?

Platelets are the smallest blood cells in the body. They help the body form clots to stop bleeding. Platelets are made in the bone marrow, the spongy center inside bones. Under the microscope, they look like tiny plates. Another name for platelets is thrombocytes.

What are some high risk activities that can lead to trauma and severe bleeding?

Avoiding high-risk activities that can lead to trauma and severe bleeding such as contact sports

Do congenital platelets have less effect on daily life?

Patients with milder (and more common) forms of a congenital platelet disorder have less effects on their daily lives but still need to take some precautions. These vary from with each patient and might include:

What are Platelet Disorders?

Platelets play an important role in blood clotting, so when a person has a low number of platelets, too many platelets or their platelets don’t work the way they should, they have a platelet disorder. People with platelet disorders take longer to stop bleeding.

Types of Platelet Disorders

Bernard-Soulier Syndrome (BSS) People with Bernard-Soulier syndrome have platelets that are very large -- larger than red or white blood cells -- and are missing a protein (lycoprotein lb) that helps them stick together to form a clot. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe.

Support for People with Platelet Disorders

We are committed to offering education and support for all bleeding disorders. NHF holds a Rare Bleeding Disorders conference every year, which allows people with platelet disorders to learn more about managing their disorder and connect with people who share their experiences.

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