Blood Disorders Platelet Function Disorders Overview Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment By Amber Yates, MD Amber Yates, MD LinkedIn Twitter Amber Yates, MD, is a board-certified pediatric hematologist and a practicing physician at Baylor College of Medicine. Learn about our editorial process Updated on August 22, 2020 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Douglas A. Nelson, MD Medically reviewed by Douglas A. Nelson, MD LinkedIn Douglas A. Nelson, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist who previously served for 13 years as a physician in the US Air Force. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Platelet function disorders are a group of bleeding disorders in which the platelets do not function appropriately, leading to bleeding. These disorders can be inherited (passed down in families) or acquired (developed after birth). Science Photo Library/Creative RF/Getty Images Symptoms Platelets are one part of our clotting system, the system that helps us stop bleeding. If your platelets don't function properly, you are at an increased risk of bleeding. Symptoms may include: Increased bruising Nosebleeds Gum bleeding Menorrhagia (excessive menstrual bleeding) Prolonged bleeding after a cut or other injury Prolonged bleeding with surgery Causes Platelet function disorders can be divided into two large categories: congenital (inherited) or acquired. The majority of platelet disorders are congenital, including: Glanzmann's thrombastheniaBernard-Soulier syndromeGray platelet syndromeMYH9-related disorders: May-Hegglin anomaly, Epstein syndrome, Fechtner syndrome, and Sebastian syndromeWiskott-Aldrich syndrome: A syndrome of immunodeficiency and dysfunctional platelets, this is characterized by very small platelets (most platelet function disorders have normal to large platelets)Chediak-Higashi syndromeHermansky-Pudlak syndrome Acquired causes include the following. Medications: Medications like aspirin, dipyridamole (Persantine), and clopidogrel (Plavix) are designed to reduce the function of platelets. Ibuprofen also decreases the effectiveness of platelets, but less so than aspirin.Liver diseaseUremia (severe renal disease)Myeloproliferative disorders like essential thrombocythemia Diagnosis As opposed to other platelet disorders, which are often issues with platelet number (elevated or decreased), platelet function disorders may have normal platelet counts. Other types of platelet function disorders can have thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count. The platelets should be reviewed under the microscope on a peripheral blood smear. Several types of congenital platelet function disorders result in platelets that are larger than normal. Other platelets are missing key components, called granules, which can be seen under the microscope. Sometimes the platelets are normal in appearance and size. The remaining work-up begins similarly to other bleeding disorders. Unlike in hemophilia (a disorder of coagulation factors), screening tests like prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT) are normal. Diagnosing platelet function disorders requires specialty testing. The following is a list of commonly used tests. Bleeding time: This test is not considered specific to platelet function disorders, and because of test limitations is not considered an accurate test of the clotting system.Platelet function assay: This is considered to be a good screening test for platelet disorders. This test is affected by platelet count and may not be accurate if your platelet counts are low.Platelet aggregation testing: This test looks at how well the platelets stick to one another (aggregation) in response to different stimuli. This test can also be used to measure the effectiveness of aspirin or clopidogrel (Plavix) therapy.Platelet electron microscopy: This is a way to look at platelets with a special microscope that can see the individual parts of the platelet. Treatment Treatment is based on the individual platelet function disorder you have. Some platelet function disorders rarely need treatment unless you are injured or require surgery. Aspirin and NSAIDs: Avoid aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. These medications reduce the function of platelets which may worsen the bleeding risk. Hormonal contraceptives: Hormonal contraceptives can be used to keep menstrual bleeding to a minimum. Anti-fibrinolytic medications: Because it can be difficult for the body to make stable clots, particularly on the moist surfaces of the mucosa (mouth, nose, etc.), antifibrinolytic medications like Amicar or Lysteda may be used to stop bleeding. These medications are commonly used in these conditions for nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and menorrhagia. They can also be used after surgical procedures (particularly, mouth, nose, and throat) to prevent bleeding. Platelet transfusions: Even in platelet function disorders with normal platelet counts, platelet transfusions may be used for severe bleeding or if you need surgery. Factor VIIa (NovoSevenRT) infusion: This factor replacement product can be used in some patients with platelet function disorders. This is used mostly in patients who are unable to receive platelet transfusions as a treatment option. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit