Lima Memorial Health System Logo
Approximate ER WAIT TIME
5

Health Library

Acquired platelet function defect
Site Map

Acquired platelet function defect

Acquired qualitative platelet disorders; Acquired disorders of platelet function

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.

Images

Blood clot formation
Blood clots

I Would Like to Learn About:

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 cause problems in 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

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

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.

Related Information

Platelet count
Polycythemia vera
Thrombocytopenia
Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
Myelofibrosis
Acute kidney failure
Multiple myeloma
Anemia

References

Diz-Küçükkaya R, López JA. Acquired disorders of platelet function. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 130.

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.

BACK TO TOP

Review Date: 1/19/2021  

Reviewed By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

ADAM Quality Logo

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2021 A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.