Platelet function disorders.

Abstract

Platelet function disorders are a rare cause of bleeding in hematological practice. The inherited variety includes defects in platelet adhesion, aggregation, secretion and platelet procoagulant activities. The clinical presentation is usually mild with mainly mucocutaneous bleeds. Milder phenotypes may pass off unrecognized in childhood and present later in life. Testing includes a coagulation screen, which may show a prolonged bleeding time, followed by platelet aggregation tests with agonists. Flow cytometry for platelet surface markers, membrane glycoprotein analysis and facilities for identification of the genetic defect are usually available in research laboratories. Recent advances have opened vistas for antenatal testing. Bone marrow transplantation is the only curative therapeutic option available.