Testing strategies used in the diagnosis of rare inherited bleeding disorders

Rare Bleeding Disorders have a low population prevalence and may not be recognized by most clinicians. In addition, knowledge gaps of the indicated laboratory tests and their availability add to the potential for delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. The lack of widely available commercial, regulatory body approved esoteric tests limits them to reference laboratories, thus limiting easy access for patients.

A literature search of PubMed, Medline, and Embase and a review of international society guidelines were performed. Additional references from published articles were reviewed. A patient-centered approach to recognition and evaluation of RBD is discussed.

Recognition of RBD relies on obtaining a detailed patient's personal and family hemostatic history. Inquiry into a history of involvement of other organ systems is important and, if present, should lead to suspicion of an inherited platelet disorder or a variant of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Multiple factors contribute to the complexity of developing efficient algorithms for diagnostic testing. Limitations in diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of screening tests, diagnostic tests, and esoteric tests further compound the complexity of establishing a diagnosis. Educational efforts focusing on clinician awareness of RBDs and available testing options are vital for optimal management of such patients.