Acquired disorders of platelet function

A qualitative abnormality of platelet function should be considered in patients with mucocutaneous bleeding in the absence of thrombocytopenia or von Willebrand disease. Antiplatelet drugs are the most common cause of acquired platelet disorders leading to bleeding. Uremia, hepatic cirrhosis, myeloma and related disorders, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and cardiopulmonary bypass have long been recognized as clinical situations in which platelet dysfunction may contribute to bleeding. When an acquired platelet disorder is suspected, it is useful to examine platelet function by measuring the bleeding time, examining platelet-dependent closure time in a platelet function analyzer and performing platelet aggregometry. When a specific acquired platelet disorder is diagnosed, many treatment options are available including controlling the underlying disease, giving platelet transfusions and administering a hemostatic drug.