Clinicopathological Spectrum of Functional Platelet Disorders Diagnosed Using Light Transmission Aggregometry.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology

Background:

• Platelet function tests (PFT) are crucial for diagnosing bleeding disorders.
• Traditional methods include standalone aggregometers and automated coagulation analyzers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the clinico-pathological profile of patients with abnormal bleeding.
• To evaluate the efficacy of light transmission aggregometry (LTA) in diagnosing platelet function abnormalities.

Main Methods:

• Sixty patients with suspected functional platelet abnormalities were analyzed.
• Platelet function tests were performed using a Sysmex CS-2400 automated coagulation analyzer employing LTA.

Main Results:

• Purpura was the most common symptom (70%).
• Hereditary thrombocyopathia (32%) and acquired thrombocytopathias (13%) were diagnosed.
• Specific conditions identified included Glanzmann thrombasthenia (10%), Bernard-Soulier syndrome (7%), and Harris-platelet syndrome (7%).

Conclusions:

• Automated LTA is less labor-intensive, faster, and requires less sample volume and platelet count compared to traditional methods.
• Incorporating PFTs into the investigative profile for patients with abnormal bleeding, especially mucocutaneous bleeding, is highly recommended.