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Acquired platelet function defect

Acquired platelet function defects are conditions that prevent clotting elements in the blood called platelets from working as they should. The term acquired means these conditions are not present at birth.

Causes

Platelet disorders can affect the number of platelets, how well they function, or both. A platelet disorder affects normal blood clotting.

Disorders that can have problems with platelet function include:

Other causes include:

  • Kidney (renal) failure
  • Medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, other anti-inflammatory drugs, penicillin, phenothiazines, and prednisone (after long-term use)

Symptoms

Symptoms may include any of the following:

Exams and Tests

Tests that may be done include:

Treatment

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.

Outlook (Prognosis)

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

Possible Complications

Complications may include:

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

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact 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

Prevention

Using medicines as directed can reduce the risk for drug-related acquired platelet function defects. Treating other disorders may also reduce the risk. Some cases cannot be prevented.

Alternative Names

Acquired qualitative platelet disorders; Acquired disorders of platelet function

References

Gross PL, Lopez JA. Acquired disorders of platelet function. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 128.

Hall JE, Hall ME. Hemostasis and blood coagulation. In: Hall JE, Hall ME, eds. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 37.

Jobe SM, Di Paola J. Congenital and acquired disorders of platelet function and number. In: Kitchens CS, Kessler CM, Konkle BA, Streiff MB, Garcia DA, eds. Consultative Hemostasis and Thrombosis. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 9.

Review Date 2/2/2023

Updated by: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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