[Inherited platelet disorders : clinical presentations and diagnostic algorithms]

The diagnosis of inherited platelet disorders (IPD) is a complex task. Indeed, due to their rarity, their wide clinical spectrum (intensity of hemorrhagic symptoms) and the need for specialized biological assays (only performed in reference centers) IPDs can be diagnosed very late. However, it is important to remember the crucial need for early diagnosis in order to avoid the use of unnecessary and potentially harmful treatments for the patient. A thorough personal and family history, a complete physical examination and a simple biological work up (blood count, blood smear and platelet occlusion time) will lead to the suspicion of an IPD. It will then be up to the physician to refer the patient to a specialist in order to complete the diagnostic work up and therefore establishing a definitive diagnosis. Here is a description of the most well-known IPDs and their diagnostic algorithms.