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
Symptoms
Platelets are one part of our clotting system, the system that helps us stop bleeding. If your platelets don’t function properly, you are at an increased risk of bleeding. Symptoms include:
Causes
As noted, platelet function disorders can be divided into categories including congenital (inherited) or acquired. Some platelet disorders remain undiagnosed due to lack of medical knowledge, however, the main types include:
Some, but not all, acquired causes can include the following:
Diagnosis
As opposed to other platelet disorders, which are often issues with platelet number (elevated or decreased), platelet function disorders may have normalplatelet counts.
Other types of platelet function disorders can havethrombocytopenia, or low platelet count. The platelets should be reviewed under the microscope on a peripheral blood smear.
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.
The remaining work-up begins similarly to other bleeding disorders. Unlike inhemophilia(a disorder of coagulation factors), screening tests like prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) are normal. Diagnosing platelet function disorders requires specialty testing. The following is a list of some commonly used tests:
Treatment
Treatment is based on the individual platelet function disorder you have. Some platelet function disorders rarely need treatment unless you are injured or require surgery.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What Are Platelet Disorders?.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet Disorders - Symptoms.National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.Inherited Platelet Disorders.MedlinePlus.Acquired platelet function defect.Sharda A, Flaumenhaft R.The life cycle of platelet granules.F1000Res. 2018;7:236. doi. 10.12688/f1000research.13283.1. Published February, 2018.Wagner M, Uzun G, Bakchoul T, Althaus K.Diagnosis of Platelet Function Disorders: A Challenge for Laboratories. Hamostaseologie. 2022 Feb;42(1):36-45. doi: 10.1055/a-1700-7036
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What Are Platelet Disorders?.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet Disorders - Symptoms.National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.Inherited Platelet Disorders.MedlinePlus.Acquired platelet function defect.Sharda A, Flaumenhaft R.The life cycle of platelet granules.F1000Res. 2018;7:236. doi. 10.12688/f1000research.13283.1. Published February, 2018.Wagner M, Uzun G, Bakchoul T, Althaus K.Diagnosis of Platelet Function Disorders: A Challenge for Laboratories. Hamostaseologie. 2022 Feb;42(1):36-45. doi: 10.1055/a-1700-7036
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What Are Platelet Disorders?.National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet Disorders - Symptoms.National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.Inherited Platelet Disorders.MedlinePlus.Acquired platelet function defect.Sharda A, Flaumenhaft R.The life cycle of platelet granules.F1000Res. 2018;7:236. doi. 10.12688/f1000research.13283.1. Published February, 2018.Wagner M, Uzun G, Bakchoul T, Althaus K.Diagnosis of Platelet Function Disorders: A Challenge for Laboratories. Hamostaseologie. 2022 Feb;42(1):36-45. doi: 10.1055/a-1700-7036
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.What Are Platelet Disorders?.
National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Platelet Disorders - Symptoms.
National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.Inherited Platelet Disorders.
MedlinePlus.Acquired platelet function defect.
Sharda A, Flaumenhaft R.The life cycle of platelet granules.F1000Res. 2018;7:236. doi. 10.12688/f1000research.13283.1. Published February, 2018.
Wagner M, Uzun G, Bakchoul T, Althaus K.Diagnosis of Platelet Function Disorders: A Challenge for Laboratories. Hamostaseologie. 2022 Feb;42(1):36-45. doi: 10.1055/a-1700-7036
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
