TREATMENT OF HEMOPHILIA

APRIL 2008 NO 19

PLATELET FUNCTION
DISORDERS
Second Edition

Anjali A. Sharathkumar
Amy Shapiro
Indiana Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center
Indianapolis, U.S.A.

Published by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH), 1999; revised 2008.

World Federation of Hemophilia, 2008
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The Treatment of Hemophilia series is intended to provide general information on the treatment and
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Treatment of Hemophilia Monographs
Series Editor
Dr. Sam Schulman

Table of Contents
Summary......................................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 1
History of Platelet Discovery ....................................................................................................................................1
Platelet Structure and Function ................................................................................................................................1
Figure 1: Key steps in megakaryopoiesis ..................................................................................................2
Figure 2: Discoid platelets ..........................................................................................................................3
Table 1: Major platelet membrane receptors and their ligands..............................................................3
Role of Platelets in Hemostasis .................................................................................................................................4
Platelet adhesion...........................................................................................................................................4
Platelet aggregation and secretion .............................................................................................................4
Biochemical processes involved in platelet aggregation and secretion ................................................4
Summary .......................................................................................................................................................5
Clinical Features of Platelet Defects .........................................................................................................................5
Laboratory evaluation..................................................................................................................................5
Figure 3: Agonists, receptors, and effector systems in platelet activation...........................................6
Figure 4: Schematic representation of normal platelet responses
and the congenital disorders of platelet function ................................................................................7
Figure 5: Algorithm for evaluation of a patient with suspected platelet disorders ............................8
Figure 6: Morphological abnormalities seen on blood smear in patients with
platelet function disorders .......................................................................................................................9
Figure 7: Platelet aggregation studies in platelet-rich plasma from normal adult
and patients with designated platelet function disorders .................................................................10
Table 2: Platelet aggregation response to natural agonists in congenital and
acquired platelet function defects .........................................................................................................11
Acquired Disorders of Platelet Function ...............................................................................................................12
Table 3: Acquired disorders of platelet dysfunction presenting with bleeding symptoms .............13
Table 4: Acquired platelet dysfunction due to drugs and food substances .......................................15
Management of Platelet Function Defects.............................................................................................................12
Prevention and local care ..........................................................................................................................12
Specific treatment options for patients with platelet dysfunction.......................................................15
Specific Disorders of Platelet Function ..................................................................................................................17
Defects in platelet receptors ......................................................................................................................17
Table 5: Hereditary platelet function disorders .....................................................................................18
Defects in granule content / storage pool deficiencies .........................................................................20
Release defects ............................................................................................................................................20
Coagulation factor defects affecting platelet function...........................................................................21
Defects in platelet pro-coagulant activity ...............................................................................................21
Miscellaneous Congenital Disorders .....................................................................................................................21
Conclusion .................................................................................................................................................................22
Resources ...................................................................................................................................................................22

Platelet Function Disorders

Anjali A. Sharathkumar and Amy Shapiro
Summary
Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis.
Platelet dysfunction due to congenital and
acquired etiologies is one of the most common
causes of bleeding encountered in clinical
practice. Bleeding manifestations are
characterized by mucocutaneous bleeding like
bruising, nose bleeding, and menorrhagia, and
bleeding after hemostatic stress, such as after
tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, dental
extraction, and, rarely, post-partum. This
monograph was written following an extensive
literature search through PubMed and Ovid
using the search terms: platelets, platelet
function disorders and congenital/acquired,
MYH9 disorders and names of individual
platelet function disorders. Further references
not initially identified in the search but
referenced within these articles were also
reviewed. Review articles and textbooks were
used to inform our discussion of the physiology
of platelets, and current understanding of the
biochemical mechanisms involved in platelet
activation. An attempt has been made to
summarize the spectrum of clinical
manifestations of these disorders and their
management.

Introduction
Clinical bleeding results from a disturbance in
hemostasis. The term hemostasis applies to a
myriad of physiological processes that are
involved in maintaining vascular
integrity and keeping the blood in fluid form.
Normal hemostasis involves interaction between
three forces first described by German
pathologist Rudolf Virchow in 1856: blood (with
soluble and cellular components), the blood
vessel, and blood flow.
Human platelets are multifunctional anucleated
cells that play a vital role in hemostasis. This
monograph will discuss the physiology of
platelets in hemostasis and platelet function
defects. Disorders associated with decreased

number of platelets (thrombocytopenia) are not

covered in this monograph.

History of Platelet Discovery

German anatomist Max Schultze published the
first accurate and convincing description of
platelets in his newly-founded journal Archiv fr
mikroscopische Anatomie in 1865, as part of a
study devoted mainly to white blood cells. He
described spherules much smaller than red
blood cells that occasionally clump and may
participate in collections of fibrous material. He
recognized them as a normal constituent of the
blood and enthusiastically recommended
further study by those concerned with the indepth study of the blood of humans. In 1882,
Italian pathologist Giulio Bizzozero carried out a
much more comprehensive study. He observed
the spherules microscopically in the
circulating blood of living animals and in blood
removed from blood vessels. In well-planned
experiments, he showed that they were the first
component of blood to adhere to damaged
blood vessel walls in vivo, and that in vitro, they
were the first blood components to adhere to
threads that subsequently became covered with
fibrin. These initial discoveries are at the
foundation of our current understanding of
hemostasis.

Platelet Structure and Function

Platelets originate from the cytoplasm of bone
marrow megakaryocytes (Figure 1). Platelets
lack genomic DNA but contain megakaryocytederived messenger RNA (mRNA) and the
translational machinery needed for protein
synthesis. Circulating platelets are discoid in
shape, with dimensions of approximately 2.04.0
by 0.5 m, and a mean volume of 711 fl. Their
shape and small size enables the platelets to be
pushed to the edge of vessels, placing them in
the optimum location to constantly survey the
integrity of the vasculature. Platelets circulate in

Platelet Function Disorders

Figure 1: Key steps in megakaryopoiesis

Maturation

Differentiation

Endomitosis, platelet specific granule formation

Tpo

Hematopoietic
stem cells

Myeloid
stem cells

Bone marrow

Megakaryocyteerythroid
progenitor cells

Megakaryoblast

Blood

Megakaryocyte
Shedding

Platelets

The diagram summarizes important steps of megakayocyte development. Hematopoietic cells differentiate into
megakaryocytes through exposure to the specific growth factor thrombopoietin (Tpo), with c-mpl as its receptor.
Megakaryocyte maturation involves a process of endomitosis, nuclear duplication without cell division, resulting in
DNA ploidy (8N-128N). Cytoplasmic organelles are organized into domains representing nascent platelets,
demarcated by a network of invaginated plasma membranes. Within the marrow, megakaryocytes are localized near
sinusoidal walls, facilitating shedding of large segments of cytoplasm into the circulation. The fragmentation of
megakaryocyte cytoplasm into individual platelets results from shear force of circulating blood. Intracellular organelles
are distributed into the platelet bud along microtubule tracks in shafts.
Reproduced with permission of Dr. Benjamin Kile.

a concentration of 150,000-450,000 cells/mL. Of

the total body platelets, about 70% stay in
circulation while the remaining 30% are
continually but transiently sequestered in the
spleen. Platelets remain in circulation for an
average of 10 days. Most platelets are removed
from the circulation by the spleen and liver after
senescence, but a constant small fraction is
continually removed through involvement in
maintenance of vascular integrity.
On peripheral blood smears stained with
Wright-Giemsa stain, platelets appear as small,
granular staining cells with a rough membrane,
and are normally present as 3-10 platelets per
high-power oil-immersion field. Despite their
simple appearance on the peripheral blood
smear, platelets have a complex structure
(Figure 2). Platelet internal structure has been
divided into four zones:
Peripheral zone
Sol-gel zone
Organelle zone
Membrane zone
The peripheral zone includes the outer
membranes and closely associated structures.
The platelet has a surface-connected system of
channels called the open canalicular system

(OCS). The walls of the OCS are included in this

zone. The OCS provides access to the interior of
the platelet to plasma substances, and an outlet
channel for platelet products. The release of
platelet products through the OCS after platelet
activation is called the release reaction.
The membranes of the platelet are rich in
platelet receptors, which determine its specific
cellular identity. These receptors are
constitutively expressed on the platelets and
require conformational change during platelet
activation to express receptor function. The
major classes of receptors and their ligands are
shown in Table 1.
The peripheral zone also includes membrane
phospholipids. Phospholipids are an important
component of coagulation as they provide the
surface upon which coagulation proteins react.
Phospholipids also serve as the initial substrate
for platelet enzymatic reactions to produce
thomboxane A2 (TXA2), an important product
of platelet activation and a powerful platelet
agonist (substance that causes platelet
aggregation). The platelet membrane also has
the ability to translate signals from the surface
into internal chemical signals.

Platelet Function Disorders

Figure 2: Discoid platelets

The diagram summarizes ultrastructural features observed in thin sections of discoid platelets cut in cross-section.
Components of the peripheral zone include the exterior coat (EC), trilaminar unit membrane (CM), and submembrane
area containing specialized filaments (SMF) that form the wall of the platelet and line channels of the surfaceconnected open canalicular system (OCS). The matrix of the platelet interior is the sol-gel zone containing actin
microfilaments, structural filaments, the circumferential band of microtubules (MT), and glycogen (Gly). Formed
elements embedded in the sol-gel zone include mitochondria (M), granules (G), and dense bodies (DB). Collectively
they constitute the organelle zone. The membrane systems include the surface-connected open canalicular system
(OCS) and the dense tubular system (DTS), which serve as the platelet sarcoplasmic reticulum.
Reproduced with permission from: White, JG. Anatomy and structural organization of the platelet. In Hemostasis and
Thrombosis: Basic Principles and Clinical Practice. Third Edition. Eds. RW Colman, J Hirsh, VJ Marder and EW
Salzman. Philadelphia: J. B. Lippincott Company, 1994. Page 398.

The sol-gel zone is beneath the peripheral zone

and consists of the framework of the platelet, the
cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton forms the
support for the maintenance of the platelets
discoid shape as well as the contractile system
that allows, upon activation, shape change,
pseudopod extension, internal contraction, and
release of granular constituents. The
cytoskeleton comprises somewhere between 3050% of the total platelet protein.
The organelle zone consists of the granules and
cellular components such as lysosomes,
mitochondria, etc. These organelles serve in the
metabolic processes of the platelet and store
enzymes and a large variety of other substances
critical to platelet function. There are two
compartments of adenine nucleotides: the
storage or secretable pool in dense granules and
the metabolic or cytoplasmic pool. Included in
this zone are the alpha and dense granules.
The dense granules contain non-metabolic
adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine
diphosphate (ADP), serotonin, and calcium. The
alpha granules contain adhesive proteins such as
fibrinogen, fibronectin, von Willebrand factor

(VWF), thrombospondin, and vitronectin. The

alpha granules also contain growth-promoting
substances such as platelet-derived growth
factor (PDGF), platelet factor 4, and transforming
growth factor. Coagulation factors including

Table 1: Major platelet membrane

receptors and their ligands
Glycoprotein
(GP)
Receptor
GP IIb/IIIa

Structure

Function /
Ligand

Integrin IIb3

GP Ia/IIa

Integrin 21

GP Ib/IX/V

Leucine-rich
repeats receptor

Receptor for
insoluble VWF

GP VI

Non-integrin
receptor,
Immunoglobulin
superfamily
receptor

Receptor for
collagen

Receptor for
fibrinogen,
VWF,
fibronectin,
vitronectin and
thrombospondin
Receptor for
collagen

4
factor V, high molecular weight kininogen, factor
XI, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 are also
present in the alpha granule.
The fourth zone is the membrane zone, which
includes the dense tubular system. It is here that
calcium, important for triggering contractile
events, is concentrated. This zone also contains
the enzymatic systems for prostaglandin
synthesis.

Role of Platelets in Hemostasis

In a normal physiological state, platelets
circulate without adhering to undisturbed
vascular endothelium. Upon disruption of the
integrity of the vascular endothelium or
alteration in the shear stress of the blood flow,
platelets are activated. Platelet activation
plays a central role in both benign and
pathological responses to vascular injury and
thrombus formation. The process of
transformation of inactivated platelets into a
well-formed platelet plug occurs along a
continuum, but may be divided into three steps:
(1) adhesion; (2) aggregation; and (3) secretion.
The following section gives an overview of these
events.

Platelet adhesion
Subendothelial components (e.g., collagen,
VWF, fibronectin, and laminin) are exposed
upon vessel wall damage. VWF facilitates the
initial adhesion via binding to the glycoprotein
(GP) Ib/IX/V complex, especially under high
shear conditions. These interactions enable
platelets to slow down sufficiently so that
further binding interactions take place with
other receptor-ligand pairs, resulting in static
adhesion. In particular, the initial interaction
between collagen and GPVI induces a
conformational change (activation) in the
platelet integrins GPIIb/IIIa and GPIa/IIa. VWF
and collagen form strong bonds with GPIIb/IIIa
and GPIa/IIa, respectively, anchoring the
platelets in place. Recruitment of additional
platelets occurs through platelet-platelet
interaction that is mainly mediated through
fibrinogen and its receptor, GPIIb/IIIa.

Platelet Function Disorders

Patients with Bernard-Soulier syndrome and
Glanzmanns thrombasthenia have defective
platelet adhesion due to decreased or absent
expression of the glycoprotein receptors that are
involved in platelet adhesion: the GPIb/IX/V
and GPIIb/IIIa receptors, respectively.

Platelet aggregation and secretion

Platelets undergo morphological changes upon
activation. Platelet shape changes from a disc to
a spiny sphere with multiple pseudopodial
extensions. The platelet membrane becomes
rearranged, with exposure of negatively charged
phospholipids that facilitate the interaction with
coagulation proteins to form the tenase and
prothrombinase complexes. The contents of
platelet granules are secreted through the
surface-connected canalicular system, with
ADP, fibrinogen, and factor V appearing on the
platelet surface and in the milieu immediately
surrounding the platelet. PDGF is secreted and
leads to smooth muscle proliferation. Repeated
secretion of PDGF resulting from recurrent
episodes of platelet activation increases smooth
muscle proliferation and may initiate
atherosclerosis. Platelet factor 3 is also expressed
after platelet activation. Small pieces of the
platelet are able to bud off to form circulating
microparticles. Plateletagonist interactions
result in the production or release of a variety of
intracellular messenger molecules that facilitate
these reactions.

Biochemical processes involved in platelet

aggregation and secretion
As platelets are recruited to the area of blood
vessel damage, they become activated by a
range of agonists including ADP, thrombin, and
thromboxanes, which interact with
transmembrane receptors. Receptor stimulation
results in G protein interactions, which enable
activation of enzymes involved in cellular
metabolic pathways, in particular,
phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and
phospholipase C. Metabolic pathway activation
results in the elevation of cytoplasmic calcium
and phosphorylation of substrate proteins,
which bring about changes in the cytoskeleton,
enabling platelet shape change and spreading,
release of alpha- and dense-granular contents,
stimulation of phospholipase A2 and liberation
of TXA2, induction of a procoagulant surface,

Platelet Function Disorders

and activation of GPIIb/IIIa receptors. The

biochemical details of these reactions are
illustrated in Figure 3.

A rare, diverse group of disorders of platelet

signal transduction have been described,
including defects in the agonist receptors for
TXA2, ADP and collagen; the membrane G
proteins; and the prostaglandin pathway
enzymes cyclooxygenase and TXA2 synthetase
(Figure 4). Disorders of the platelet storage
granules are also well described and include
dense granule deficiency, alpha granule
deficiency, and combined dense and alpha
granule deficiency (Figure 4).

Rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding, visceral

hematoma, hemarthrosis, and intracerebral
hemorrhage have also been reported, although
these bleeding symptoms are more commonly
observed in hereditary or acquired coagulation
factor disorders.

Summary
The contribution of platelets to hemostasis lies
in the formation of the primary hemostatic plug,
the secretion of important substances for further
recruitment of platelets, the provision of a
surface for coagulation to proceed, the release of
promoters of endothelial repair, and the
restoration of normal vessel architecture.
Disruption in any of the above described events
and biochemical processes may lead to platelet
dysfunction, which may be either inherited or
acquired.

Clinical Features of Platelet Defects

The initial diagnosis of a platelet function
disorder relies on careful evaluation of clinical
findings and a detailed medical history,
including family history. Reviewing the medical
history can establish whether the disorder is
hereditary or acquired. Bleeding manifestations
typical of platelet function defects include:

Unexplained or extensive bruising,

particularly associated with soft tissue
hematoma;
Epistaxis, particularly lasting more than 30
minutes or causing anemia or admission to
hospital;
Menorrhagia, particularly if present since
menarche;
Gingival bleeding;
Bleeding during childbirth;

Bleeding following invasive procedures

(e.g., dental extraction, tonsillectomy,
adenoidectomy).

In inherited platelet function disorders, bleeding

is usually present since childhood but may be
variable and exacerbated by conditions that
stress hemostasis. In acquired hemorrhagic
disorders, the clinical picture is dominated by
the underlying disease; quite often these
disorders are associated with multiple
hemostatic defects such as thrombocytopenia or
significant coagulation abnormalities. In most
cases, a history and physical examination will
reveal the etiology of the platelet dysfunction
(e.g., a history of medication, diagnosis of
myeloproliferative disorders, presence of
cataracts or hearing defects in MYH-9 disorders,
occulocutaneous albinism in patients with
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, and
hyperextensible joints in Ehlers-Danlos
syndrome).

Laboratory evaluation
A reliably predictive screening test for platelet
dysfunction does not exist. An approach for
diagnostic testing to evaluate a clinically
significant bleeding history without an
identifiable underlying condition is shown in
Figure 5. As platelets are easily activated, it is
recommended that samples be drawn either in
syringes or evacuated tubes. The anticoagulant
of choice is 3.2% sodium citrate, which acts by
chelating calcium ions (Ca++). A blood/citrate
ratio of 9:1 is recommended; higher
concentration of citrate overchelates Ca++ and
subsequently interferes with later platelet
function studies. Samples should be maintained
at room temperature (20-25C) during transport
and storage. Tubes should be transported
upright and care should be taken not to agitate
or shake samples; manual transport is thus
preferred to pneumatic tube systems.

Platelet Function Disorders

Figure 3: Agonists, receptors, and effector systems in platelet activation

Prothrombin
Thrombin

Gq

ADP

Prothrombin
Thrombin

Gq

ADP
P2Y

P2Y

von Willebrand
factor

Gi
Adenylate
cyclase

Glycoprotein Ib

Gi
Adenylate
++ cyclase
Glycoprotein
Ca
IIb/IIIa
cAMP

Glycoprotein
IIb/IIIa

PLA2 AA PGH2
COX

TXAS

TXA2

TXA2

Fibrinogen

cAMP

Ca++
PLA2
PGH2

TXA2

Gq

AA

Glycoprotein Ib

von Willebrand
factor

The diagram summarizes the molecular and biochemical mechanisms involved in platelet activation. The activation of
platelets is induced by the interaction of several agonists, thrombaxane A2 (TXA2), adenosine diphosphate (ADP),
and thrombin with receptors expressed on the platelet membrane. TXA2 is synthesized by activated platelets from
arachidonic acid (AA) through the cyclooxygenase (COX) pathway. Once formed, TXA2 can diffuse across the
membrane and activate other platelets. In platelets, TXA2 receptors couple to the G-proteins (Gq and G12 or G13),
all of which activate phospholipase C (PLC). This enzyme degrades the membrane phosphoinositides (such as
phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PIP2]), releasing the second messengers inositoltriphosphate (IP3) and
diacylglycerol (DAG). DAG activates intracellular protein kinase C (PKC), which causes protein phosphorylation. The
release of IP3 increases cytosolic levels of Ca++, which is released from the endoplasmic reticulum. ADP is released
from platelets and red cells. Platelets express at least two ADP receptors, P2Y1 and P2Y12, which couple to Gq and
Gi, respectively. The activation of P2Y12 inhibits adenylate cyclase, causing a decrease in the cyclic AMP (cAMP)
level, and the activation of P2Y1 causes an increase in the intracellular Ca++ level. The P2Y12 receptor is the major
receptor able to amplify and sustain platelet activation in response to ADP. Thrombin is rapidly generated at sites of
vascular injury from circulating prothrombin and, besides mediating fibrin generation, represents the most potent
platelet activator. Platelet responses to thrombin are largely mediated through G-proteinlinked protease-activated
receptors (PARs), which are activated after thrombin-mediated cleavage of their N-terminal exodomain. Human
platelets express PAR1 and PAR4. The effects of agonists mediated by the decrease in cAMP levels and increase in
intracellular Ca++ levels lead to platelet aggregation through the change in the ligand-binding properties of the
glycoprotein IIb/IIIa (IIb3), which acquires the ability to bind soluble adhesive proteins such as fibrinogen and von
Willebrand factor. The release of ADP and TXA2 induces further platelet activation and aggregation.
Reproduced with permission from: Dav G, Patrono C. N Engl J Med 2007; 357: 2482-94.

Platelet Function Disorders

Figure 4: Schematic representation of normal platelet responses and the congenital

disorders of platelet function

Abbreviations: CO = cyclooxygenase; DAG = diacylglycerol;

IP3 = inositoltriphosphate; MLC = myosin light chain;
MLCK = myosin light chain kinase;
PIP2 = phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate;
PKC = protein kinase C; PLC = phospholipase C;
PLA2 = phospholipase A2;
VWF = von Willebrand factor;
VWD = von Willebrand disorder.
Reproduced with permission from: Rao, AK. Congenital disorders of platelet function: disorders of signal transduction
and secretion. Am J Med Sci 1998; 316(2):69-76.

Platelet Function Disorders

Figure 5: Algorithm for evaluation of a patient with suspected platelet disorders

Clinical history of bleeding

CBC, platelet count,

blood smear

Abnormal

Normal

Suspect qualitative
platelet function
disorder
Thrombocytopenia
Morphology: Abnormal

Shistocytes: microangiopathy
(e.g., TTP, HUS, DIC)
Blasts: Leukemia
Microthrombocytopenia
with immunodeficiency:
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Inclusion granules in WBCs
and albinism:
Chediak-Higashi
Macrothrombocytopenia:
MYH9 disorders

Thrombocytopenia
Morphology: Normal

ITP
Type 2B VWD
Platelet VWD
TAR
AD/AR/X-linked
thrombocytopenia

First Tier Testing

PFA100 +/-, BT +/Rule out VWD disease

Rule out:
Mild coagulation factor
deficiencies
Hypo or afibrinogenemia
Dysfibrinogenemia
Child abuse
Munchausen by proxy
Connective tissue disorders
Medications/herbal remedies

Second Tier Testing

Platelet aggregometry with ADP,
epinephrine, ristocetin,
arachidonic acid, thrombin

Third Tier Testing

Platelet flow cytometry
Lumiaggregometry
Platelet electron microscopy for
storage pool disorders

Abbreviations: BT: bleeding time; PFA: Platelet function abnormalities; N: Normal; TTP: Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura; HUS:
Hemolytic uremic syndrome; DIC: Disseminated intravascular coagulation; WBCs: White blood cell count; MYH 9: Myosine heavy chain
gene disorders; ITP: Immune thrombocytopenic purpura; VWD: von Willebrands disease; TAR: Thrombocytopenia and absent radi;

AD: Autosomal dominant; AR: Autosomal recessive; ADP: Adenosine diphosphate.

Platelet Function Disorders

Review of blood count
A complete blood count with review of
peripheral blood smear should be the first step
in the evaluation of a platelet function disorder.
These basic tests will provide the investigator
with important information, such as the platelet
count and morphology of platelets/other cell
lines, which is critical for the diagnosis of
various inherited and acquired platelet
disorders (Figures 5 and 6). The presence of
schistocytes and helmet cells may lead to
consideration of microangiopathic processes
such as hemolytic uremic syndrome and
thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. The
presence of large but decreased platelet numbers
with normal morphology of red and white blood
cells may lead one to consider immunemediated processes. Large inclusion granules in
white cells are visible on smears in ChediakHigashi syndrome. Platelets may be large in
Bernard-Soulier syndrome and May-Hegglin
anomaly. In Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome,
platelets are small in size and decreased in
number. Platelets may appear gray or washed
out in Gray platelet syndrome. However, in the
majority of platelet function defects such as
release and storage pool defects and
Glanzmanns thrombasthenia, platelet number
and morphology are normal. Therefore, further
assessment of platelet function is needed.
Bleeding time and PFA-100 closure time
The laboratory tests that are conventionally used
to assess platelet function include bleeding time
(BT), and platelet function tests (which may be
performed either on whole blood or platelet-rich

9
plasma). Neither the BT nor the platelet function
analyzer (PFA) are good screening tools for
platelet function disorders as each has limited
sensitivity (~40%), even in symptomatic
patients. The BT is operator-dependent and is
affected by a subjects age and skin laxity. Both
BT and PFA-100 closure time are prolonged in
patients with low hematocrits and normal
platelet function. Although technically sensitive
when performed accurately, the BT is the only in
vivo test to assess platelet function. Despite the
limitations of BT and PFA-100 closure time,
these tests can be useful for narrowing
diagnostic considerations among patients with a
history of mucocutaneous bleeding.
Platelet aggregation studies
Specific platelet function tests may be performed
using assessment of aggregation to a panel of
agonists with platelet-rich plasma or through
whole blood aggregometers. The pattern obtained
usually allows the investigator to diagnose and
generally classify the defect. Common agonists
employed in platelet function analysis include
ADP, epinephrine, collagen, arachidonic acid,
ristocetin, and thrombin. Less common agonists,
such as low-dose ristocetin and cryoprecipitate,
may be used in order to differentiate certain
types of von Willebrand disease (VWD) from
pseudo-von Willebrand disease (a defect of the
platelet GPIb). Platelet function analysis must be
performed by experienced technicians on
samples that are properly obtained and
promptly transported to prevent activation of
platelets before testing. Temperature, lipemia,

Figure 6: Morphological abnormalities seen on blood smear in patients with

platelet function disorders

A: Platelet satellitism
seen with EDTA

B: Giant platelets
with eosinophilic and
neutrophilic inclusions

C: Gray platelet syndrome

D: Schistocytes

10
sample collection, interval from venipuncture,
and preparation of platelet-rich plasma may all
affect platelet aggregation profiles.
Platelet aggregation studies can confirm the
effects of acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin),
thienopyridines, -lactam antibiotics, and
paraproteins on platelet function. For example,
VWD and Bernard-Soulier syndrome may be
associated with defects in aggregation to
ristocetin. Glanzmanns thrombasthenia has a
flat aggregation profile to all agonists except
ristocetin. Figure 7 and Table 2 describe
abnormalities commonly encountered in platelet
aggregation studies.

Platelet Function Disorders

Platelet secretion assays
Platelet secretion is predominantly measured by
two different assays. The first one,
lumiaggregometry, simultaneously measures
aggregation and luciferase luminescence. It
measures the release or secretion of adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) by the dense granules upon
stimulation by agonists. Secretion can also be
measured by allowing platelets to take up 14Clabelled serotonin; its release is then measured
in response to agonists. This test has a
significant technical component, and is
performed only in select laboratories.
Abnormalities in these secretion assays may
indicate release and storage pool defects.

Figure 7: Platelet aggregation studies in platelet-rich plasma from normal adult and
patients with designated platelet function disorders

Reproduced with permission from: Hathaway, WE, and SH Goodnight. Hereditary platelet function defects. In
Disorders of hemostasis and thrombosis: A clinical guide. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1993, p. 99.

Platelet Function Disorders

11

Table 2: Platelet aggregation response to natural agonists in congenital and acquired

platelet function defects
Platelet aggregation
Disorder

ADP/epinephrine

PFA-100 CT

Other platelet agonists

Primary
wave

Secondary
wave

Collagen

Arachidonic
acid

Ristocetin

CADP

CEPI

von Willebrand
disease Type 2B

Glanzmanns
thrombasthenia

Bernard-Soulier
syndrome

N/D

N/D

N/D

N/P

N/P

N/D

ADP receptor
antagonists

NA

NA

N/P

N/P

GP IIb/IIIa
inhibitors

NA

Inherited

Storage pool
disease
Acquired
Aspirin

Abbreviations: PFA: platelet function analyzer; CT: closure time; ADP: adenosine diphosphate; CADP: collagen and
ADP; CEPI: collagen and epinephrine; A: absent; D: decreased; I: increased (Type 2B VWD); N: normal; NA: not
applicable; P: prolonged; GP: glycoprotein

Flow cytometry
Flow cytometry is the technique that measures
protein expression on the cell using monoclonal
antibodies. The most common clinical use for
platelet flow cytometry is the diagnosis of
inherited defects in platelet surface
glycoproteins. Flow cytometry can detect
decreased expression or absence of GPIb
(Bernard-Soulier syndrome) and GPIIb/IIIa
(Glanzmanns thrombasthenia). Other assays
have been developed to test for storage pool
disease and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.
Flow cytometry has also been used to assess a
wide array of platelet characteristics in basic
science and clinical studies. These include
multiple techniques for assessing platelet
activation and reactivity, measuring the effects
of antiplatelet agents, and monitoring
thrombopoiesis. These techniques have the
advantage of using whole blood and are not

limited by thrombocytopenia, as are most other

platelet function assays. In general, these
techniques have yet to be used in routine clinical
practice.
Electron microscopy
Electron microscopy (EM) will reveal structural
platelet abnormalities, including a decreased
number or abnormal morphology of platelet
alpha and dense granules. EM studies are
helpful in diagnosing platelet granule defects.
Molecular studies
Some families with severe platelet function
disorders may benefit from identification of
their molecular defect(s) to allow antenatal
diagnosis to be offered. Molecular analysis of
platelet GPs is available at a small number of
specialist laboratories. These tests are not
offered in routine clinical care.

12
More specialized tests
A wide variety of tests are available at specialist
laboratories that may provide further diagnostic
information, including analysis of receptor
expression, protein phosphorylation, and
formation of second messengers. In addition,
several laboratories are at an early stage of
developing genomic- and proteomic-based
approaches for the analysis of individuals with
platelet disorders, although the practical
significance of these tests is presently unclear.

Acquired Disorders of Platelet

Function
Disorders of platelet function are among the
most common acquired hematologic
abnormalities. The majority of these defects are
detected incidentally due to abnormal
laboratory tests including a prolonged BT or
PFA-100 closure time. These defects as
measured by laboratory tests do not correlate
with bleeding risk. Hence, the clinical decision
to evaluate acquired platelet function disorders
depends solely on whether the observed
derangement in platelet function poses a threat
to the patient.
Acquired platelet disorders are classified
broadly as those caused by defects that are
intrinsic to the platelets and those caused by
defects which are extrinsic to the platelets
(Table 3). Drugs and many systemic diseases can
lead to acquired platelet function defects.
Acquired platelet function defects due to drugs
are mild and ubiquitous. More than 100 drugs
including Aspirin, certain foods, spices, and
vitamins have been reported to impair platelet
function (Table 4). For almost all agents, the data
are limited to descriptions of abnormal in vitro
platelet aggregation tests or a prolonged
bleeding time, which may have no clinical
importance. Platelet dysfunction has also been
reported in patients with uremia, liver
dysfunction, cardiac bypass procedures,
sepsis/infections, leukemia, and conditions
including disseminated intravascular
coagulation (DIC). It is important to underscore
that Aspirin, and presumably other causes of
abnormal platelet function such as chronic renal
failure and cardiac surgery, can profoundly

Platelet Function Disorders

exacerbate bleeding in patients with an
underlying inherited platelet disorder. The
salient features of clinically significant
conditions contributing to platelet dysfunction
are summarized in Table 3.
In addition to platelet abnormalities resulting in
decreased platelet function, defects leading to
platelet gain-of-function are being recognized
increasingly as a clinical entity. For instance,
heparin-induced thrombocytopenia results in a
transient, but highly thrombogenic condition
that is due to hyperfunction of platelets.
Hyperactive platelet syndrome (or sticky
platelet syndrome) is an uncommon but welldescribed condition that results in arterial or
venous thrombosis and complications during
pregnancy. These gain-of-function abnormalities
are beyond the scope this monograph.

Management of Platelet Function

Defects
Prevention and local care
There remain no good predictors of bleeding
risk in patients who have platelet disorders.
Most bleeding is a variation on normal anatomic
and physiologic bleeding. Care should therefore
be focused on prevention. Avoidance of
medications such as Aspirin and nonsteroidal
analgesics is critical. Fastidious dental hygiene
with regular teeth cleaning, hormonal control of
menstrual bleeding, and presurgical treatment
plans should be part of the comprehensive care.
Most bleeding episodes can be controlled with
local measures and platelet transfusions.
Epistaxis and gingival bleeding are successfully
controlled in most patients by nasal packing or
the application of gel foam soaked in topical
thrombin. Local bleeding during dental
procedures can be treated by local measures,
such as fibrin sealants. In addition,
antifibrinolytic agents, such as aminocaproic
acid, may be useful to control mild bleeding
following scheduled dental procedures or other
mucosal bleeding.

Platelet Function Disorders

13

Table 3: Acquired disorders of platelet dysfunction presenting with bleeding symptoms

Site of platelet
dysfunction

Systemic illness

Intrinsic disorders of
platelet function

Chronic
myeloproliferative
disorders

Mild to
moderate

Myelodysplastic
syndrome/
leukemias

Mild to
moderate

Uremia

Mild

Liver dysfunction

Mild to severe

Paraproteinemia

Mild to severe

Extrinsic disorders of
platelet function

Bleeding
severity

Potential mechanism
Defect at the level of committed
megakaryocyte:
1) Abnormal lipid peroxidation and
responses to thromboxane A2
2) Subnormal serotonin uptake and storage
3) Abnormal expression of Fc receptors
4) Combined defect in membrane expression
and activation of GPIIb/IIIa complexes
5) Acquired storage pool disorder
6) HMWM of plasma and platelet VWF
Defective megakaryopoiesis:
1) Dilated canalicular system and
abnormalmicrotubular formation
2) Reduced or giant granules may form by
the fusion of several single granules
3) Acquired membrane defect with abnormal
glycoprotein expression
1) platelet GPIb/IX receptor number and
function normal or
2) shear-induced platelet aggregation with
high shear rates, possibly due to
proteolysis by ADAMTS13 VWF
metalloprotease
3) Defective activation-dependent receptor
function GPIIb/IIIa for binding
fibrinogen and VWF
4) Defective platelet secretion of ADP
Altered platelet membrane palmate and
stearate metabolism

Nonspecific binding of immunoglobulins

to platelet surface +/- specific
antigen/antibody interactions

Treatment

Platelet aggregation
abnormalities
Inconsistent or
defective aggregation

Treatment of underlying
disorder

Inconsistent or
multiple aggregation defects

Treatment of
underlying disorder
Amicar

aggregation with collagen,

ADP and epinephrine

Dialysis
Correction of anemia
DDAVP
Conjugated estrogens
Platelet transfusion
rFVIIa
Cryoprecipitate
Humate-P

aggregation to collagen,
thrombin, ristocetin;
absent secondary
aggregation waves after
aggregation with ADP and
epinephrine

Correction of
underlying disorder
Platelet transfusion
DDAVP

Defective aggregation

Plasmapharesis
Treatment of
underlying disorder
Platelet transfusions
only during lifethreatening bleeding

14

Platelet Function Disorders

Table 3: Acquired disorders of platelet dysfunction presenting with bleeding symptoms (contd)
Site of platelet
dysfunction
Extrinsic disorders of
platelet function

Systemic illness
Disseminated
intravascular
coagulation
Cardiopulmonary
bypass

Hypothermia

Bleeding
severity

Potential mechanism

Platelet aggregation
abnormalities

Platelet activation by thrombin

Acquired storage pool defect

aggregation

1) Platelet activation and fragmentation due to

hypothermia, contact with fibrinogencoated synthetic surfaces, contact with
blood/air interface, damage caused by
blood suctioning, and exposure to traces of
thrombin, plasmin, ADP, or complement
2) Drugs (e.g., heparin, protamine, and
Aspirin) and production of fibrin
degradation products expected to impair
platelet function
1) plasma soluble P-selectin expression
2) levels of thromboxane B2

Abnormal ex vivo platelet

aggregation in response to
several agonists, platelet
agglutination in response to
ristocetin, and poor release
reaction due to deficiency of
alpha and dense granules

platelet activation

Treatment

Treatment of
underlying disorder
Platelet transfusion
Platelet transfusion
DDAVP
Aprotonin
Antifibrinolytics
rFVIIa

Correction of
hypothermia

Abbreviations: GP: Glycoprotein; HMWM: High molecular weight multimers; VWF: von Willebrand factor; ADP: Adenosine diphosphate; DDAVP: Desmopressin (1-deamino-8D-argine vasopressin); rFVIIa: recombinant factor VIIa,

Platelet Function Disorders

15

Table 4: Acquired platelet dysfunction due to drugs and food substances

Agent

Potential Mechanism of Action

Drugs:
Abciximab (ReoPro), eptifibatide (Integrilin), oral
IIb3 inhibitors, fibrinolytic agents
Ticlopidine (Ticlid), clopidogrel (Plavix)
Epoprostenol, iloprost, beraprost
Nitrites, nitroprusside
Methylxanthines (theophylline), dipyridamole,
sildenafil and related drugs
Aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs,
moxalactam, losartan
Verapamil, calcium channel blockers (nifedipine,
diltiazem)
Tricyclic antidepressants, fluoxetine
Statins: lovastatin, pravastatin, simvastatin,
fluvastatin, atorvastatin, cerivastatin
Antibiotics: -lactam antibiotics, penicillins,
nitrofurantoin
Plasma expanders: dextran, hydroxyethyl starch
Anesthetics: dibucaine, procaine, cocaine, halothane
Phenothiazines: chlorpromazine, promethazine,
trifluoperazine
Oncologic drugs: mithramycin, daunorubicin, BCNU
Radiologic contrast agents: Renographin-76,
Renovist-II, Conray 60
Antihistamines: diphenhydramine,
chlorpheniramine
Miscellaneous: clofibrate, hydroxychloroquine

Inhibition of GPIIb/IIIa-fibrinogen interaction

Inhibition of ADP receptors
Stimulation of adenyl cyclase
Stimulation of guanyl cyclase
Inhibition of phosphodiesterase
Inhibition of thromboxane pathway
Inhibition of calcium influx
Inhibition of serotonin uptake
Interference with GTP signaling pathways
Mechanism unknown
Impairment of platelet aggregation*
Impairment of platelet aggregation*
Impairment of platelet aggregation*
Impairment of platelet aggregation*
Impairment of platelet aggregation*
Impairment of platelet aggregation*
platelet response to ADP, epinephrine, and collagen

Foods and additives

Omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil

Reduction in TXA2 synthesis

Vitamin E, onion

Inhibition of arachidonic acid metabolism

Onion, cumin, turmeric, clove

platelet thromboxane production

Garlic

Inhibition of fibrinogen binding to platelets

*Indicates that the precise mechanism contributing to platelet dysfunction is not known.

Specific treatment options for patients

with platelet dysfunction
Antifibrinolytic agents
Tranexamic acid (15-25 mg/kg orally every 6-8
hours, or 10 mg/kg intravenously every 8
hours) and epsilon aminocaproic acid (EACA,
Amicar; 50-100 mg/kg intravenously or orally
every 4-6 hours) are helpful to stabilize the clot.
These medications are useful for control of
menorrhagia and other mild bleeding
manifestations from mucous membranes, such
as epistaxis. Tranexamic acid and EACA may be

used as a mouthwash (EACA in its liquid form

or tranexamic acid, 10 mL of a 5% weight-tovolume solution daily, which is equivalent to a
dose of 500 mg) for local oral bleeding such as
from tonsillectomy site or from dental
extractions.
Desmopressin
Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-argine
vasopressin, DDAVP) has been used with
variable success in patients with platelet
function disorders. The exact nature of the effect

16
of DDAVP is unclear as it has not been shown to
induce a platelet release reaction.
Limited studies exist regarding treatment with
DDAVP because of the rare nature of these
disorders. One of the largest groups studied are
those with Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome, with
variable responses noted. Although most studies
of DDAVP in Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome
have used the bleeding time as the primary
endpoint, the clinical relevance of bleeding time
correction is not known, and evidence suggests
that the bleeding time may not correlate with in
vivo studies, such as platelet aggregation tests.
In a large study of patients with Bernard-Soulier
syndrome, MHY9-related disorders, and Grey
platelet syndrome, some responses to DDAVP
were demonstrated, as indicated by reduced
bleeding time and a 50% increase in ADPinduced platelet aggregation. Patients with
Glanzmanns thrombasthenia failed to respond,
supporting the notion that the effects of DDAVP
on platelet function may depend on GPIIb/IIIa
binding. Patients with storage pool disorders
usually (but not always) respond. It is also not
clear if laboratory correction (e.g., of the
bleeding time) will correlate with clinical
efficacy. The effects of DDAVP may involve an
increase in the levels of circulating VWF.
DDAVP may cause flushing and hypotension. It
should not be used in individuals with evidence
of atherosclerosis. It causes fluid retention, and
patients should be advised to restrict fluid
intake in the subsequent 24 hours. Intravenous
fluids should be given with caution due to the
risk of water retention resulting in
hyponatremia and potentially seizures. For this
reason, it is not generally given to children
under the age of two in whom the risk of
hyponatremia may be higher. If given for more
than a single dose, it is advisable to monitor
daily weights and plasma electrolytes. DDAVP
may be the agent of choice for mild bleeding
problems where tranexamic acid or EACA alone
are ineffective. There is no convincing evidence
to support the practice of assessing DDAVP
correction of the bleeding time. The effect must
be assessed by clinical response.
DDAVP may be administered by:

Platelet Function Disorders

Intravenous infusion, at a dose of 0.3 g/kg

of a 4 g/mL solution diluted to 30-50 mL in
0.9% saline, and infused over 30 minutes;
there is some evidence that a smaller dose of
0.2 g/kg is also effective when used in
conjunction with antifibrinolytic agents such
as tranexamic acid.
Subcutaneous injection at a dose of 0.3 g/kg
once daily.
Intranasal spray, available in a concentrated
form (150 g per dose) under the trade
name Stimate, to be administered at 300 g
for an adult (> 50 kg) and 150 g for a child
(20-50 kg) once daily.

The therapeutic efficacy of DDAVP decreases

significantly after the first dose (tachyphylaxis).
The initial response can be reproduced after a
week. In procedures such as tonsillectomy, the
dose of DDAVP can be repeated on day 7 in order
to prevent bleeding from the separation eschar.
Platelet transfusions
Platelet transfusions are appropriate in severe
disorders and when other agents have failed.
However, these are blood products and carry
risks of transfusion-transmitted infections and
allergic reactions. It is likely that multiple-donor
exposures increase the risk, so platelet
transfusions should only be given if essential.
Patients with platelet disorders may be subject
to repeated episodes of transfusion, putting
them at risk of developing alloantibodies either
to human leukocyte antigens (HLAs) or missing
GPs as in Bernard-Soulier syndrome
(GPIb/IXa/Va) and Glanzmanns
thrombasthenia (GPIIb/IIIa). Since sensitization
leads to platelet refractoriness and failure to
obtain hemostasis, it is advised to transfuse
HLA-matched platelets unless the delay in
obtaining them would compromise the clinical
situation. However, these recommendations are
based on expert opinion. Alternatively, singledonor platelet transfusions can be a practical
option to avoid exposure to multiple
alloantigens. In children the conventional dose
of platelets is 10-15 mL/kg.
Recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa)
Experience using rFVIIa (NovoSeven) in
platelet disorders is limited, apart from
managing bleeding in patients with

Platelet Function Disorders

Glanzmanns thrombasthenia and storage pool
disorders. rFVIIa has recently been approved in
the European Union for use in Glanzmanns
thrombasthenia patients refractory to platelet
transfusion or those who have developed
antibodies against GPIIb/IIIa. The dosing
regimens used in patients with hemophilia with
inhibitors, 90 g/kg (80-120 g/kg) every 3-4
hours, is felt to be sufficient to control bleeding
in this population. The precise means by which
rFVIIa exerts its efficacy in such patients has yet
to be elucidated.
Splenectomy
Splenectomy has not been shown to have
beneficial effects on any congenital or acquired
platelet function disorders, with the exception of
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome. These patients can
have a clear improvement in thrombocytopenia
following splenectomy; however, these results
have not been duplicated in other disorders.
Splenectomy therefore should not be performed
in hopes of improving platelet count or bleeding
diathesis.
Other options
In a single unconfirmed study, prednisone at
doses of 20-50 mg for 3-4 days was used to
improve hemostasis in patients with inherited
platelet disorders. However, it was ineffective in
patients with Glanzmanns thrombasthenia and
Aspirin-induced defects. Bone marrow
transplantation has been effective in reversing
immunologic and hematologic manifestations in
patients with Chediac-Higashi or WiskottAldrich syndromes.

Specific Disorders of Platelet

Function
The following section briefly describes the
inherited platelet disorders (Table 5).

Defects in platelet receptors

Glanzmanns thrombasthenia
Glanzmanns thrombasthenia is a platelet
disorder caused by an absence or decrease in the
platelet receptor for fibrinogen IIb/IIIa. The
platelet count, size, shape, and life span are
normal in this disorder. It is inherited as an

17
autosomal recessive trait: therefore parental
history of bleeding is negative. Males and
females are equally affected. The bleeding time
is invariably prolonged. Clot retraction is poor
to absent. Platelet function studies reveal
aggregation to ristocetin only (Figure 7 and
Table 2). Adhesion to areas of damaged
endothelium is normal but recruitment of
further platelets into the primary hemostatic
plug is defective. Assessment of GPIIb/IIIa
receptors on the platelet membrane using flow
cytometry is possible in reference laboratories.
Therapy consists of platelet transfusions, as
DDAVP is not helpful in these patients.
Resulting platelet alloimmunization is a serious
consequence of platelet transfusion. Therefore,
platelet transfusions should be employed
judiciously. rFVIIa has been shown to be
effective for controlling bleeding in patients
with Glanzmanns thrombasthenia at doses of
90 g/kg. It has been licensed in Europe for the
indication of treating bleeding in patients with
Glanzmanns thrombasthenia. Because rFVIIa
can reduce or eliminate the need for platelet
transfusions, it can protect from the
development of alloantibodies against the
GPIIb/IIIa receptor.
Bernard-Soulier syndrome
Bernard-Soulier syndrome is a rare syndrome
characterized by abnormally large platelets that
may also be mildly decreased in number. The
bleeding time is markedly prolonged. Platelet
aggregation studies reveal that aggregation to
ristocetin is abnormal (Figure 7 and Table 2). This
abnormality is due to a decrease or absence of
GPIb/IX, the VWF receptor. This disorder should
be differentiated from VWD, which is due to a
defect in the VWF rather than the platelet
receptor. Bernard-Soulier syndrome is inherited
as an autosomal recessive trait with males and
females equally affected. Parental history of
similar bleeding problems is absent. In contrast,
VWD is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait;
however, symptoms are variable and therefore
parental history is an inadequate guide to
excluding this diagnosis. In Bernard-Soulier
syndrome, platelet transfusions are used
therapeutically; however, as with Glanzmanns
thrombasthenia, alloimmunization may occur.
There are reports of successful control of bleeding

18

Platelet Function Disorders

Table 5: Hereditary platelet function disorders

Disorder

Platelet
count
(K/mm3)

Inheritance

Structural
defect

Platelet
characteristics

Defect in platelet
function

Associations

Disorders of adhesion and aggregation due to defects in receptors and defects in signal transduction
Bernard-Soulier
syndrome

20-100

AR

Glanzmanns
thrombasthenia

Normal

Platelet type VWD

Treatment options
Platelet
transfusion

DDAVP

rFVIIa

Giant platelets

Abnormal adhesion

DiGeorge
Velocardio facial
syndrome

AR

GPIb/IX
GPIb
GPIb
GPIX
GPIIb/IIIa

None

bone thickening and

fertility

Normal or

AD

GPIb

Platelet size
heterogeneity

Absent aggregation with

physiological agonists,
defective clot retraction
Abnormal adhesion:
sensitivity to ristocetin

Absence of HMWM

21 collagen receptor

Normal

Normal

Abnormal adhesion :
response to collagen

GPVI collagen
Receptor

Normal

Normal

Abnormal adhesion:
response to collagen

P2Y12 ADP receptor

Normal

AR

GPVI
absence can be
secondary to
proteolytic
cleavage
P2Y12 receptor

Modifications in receptor
density according to
haplotype
Linked to FcR-;
receptor density depends
upon haplotype

Normal

Not known

TP, Thrombaxane (TX)

A2 receptor

Normal

AR

TP

Normal

Not known

Intracellular signaling

Normal or

Normal

Not reported

Cyclooxygenase
deficiency

Normal or

?AR

Phospholipase C2 Gq protein,
among others
Cyclooxygenase
enzyme

Not known

Scott syndrome

Normal

AR

Normal

Defects extend to other cell

lines

Wiskott-Aldrich
syndrome

10-100

X-linked

ATP-binding
cassette
transporter A1
WAS signaling
defects

Abnormal aggregation to
ADP
Absence of response to
TXA2 analogues,
response to collagen
Variable aggregation and
secretion defects on
multiple agonists
No aggregation with
arachidonic acid,
response to collagen and
ADP
procoagulant activity and
microparticle release

Not known

Small size, fewer

granules

aggregation and
secretion

Eczema,
immunodeficiency

number of
abnormal dense
granules,
giant granules
(CH)

aggregation and
secretion with collagen

Oculocutaneous albinism,
ceroid-lipofuscinosis (HP),
infections (CH)

Disorders of secretion due to abnormalities of storage granules

Dense granule
deficiency with
albinism:
Hermanasky-Pudlak
(HP); Chediak Higashi
syndrome(CH)

Normal

AR

Proteins involved
in vesicle
formation and
trafficking

Platelet Function Disorders

19

Table 5: Hereditary platelet function disorders (contd)

Disorder

Platelet
count
(K/mm3)

Inheritance

Structural
defect

Platelet
characteristics

Defect in platelet
function

Associations

Platelet
transfusion

DDAVP

rFVIIa

Myelofibrosis

None known

Psychomotor retardation,
facial and cardiac
abnormality

Wiskott-Aldrich
syndrome, TAR, EhlerDanlos syndrome

Disorders of secretion due to abnormalities of storage granules

Gray platelet syndrome

30-100

AR or AD

Quebec syndrome

~100

AD

Paris
Trousseau/Jacobsen
syndrome (deletion of
11q23-24)
Dense granule
deficiency without
albinism

30-150

AD

Normal

May-Hegglin

Empty -granules

Unknown, but
prevents storage
of proteins in
-granules
urokinase-type
activator in granules,
degraded proteins
Defective
megakaryopoiesis

Abnormal content
of -granules

AD/X-R

Inability to
package
- granule
contents

Quantitative
deficiency of delta
granules,
serotonin content

Abnormal aggregation and

secretion with thrombin,
epinephrine, ADP and
collagen
Absent second wave of
aggregation with ADP,
epinephrine
ATP:ADP ratio>3

30-100

AD

Large size

No consistent defect

Neutrophil inclusions

Fechtner syndrome

30-100

AD

MYH9; nonmuscle myosin

heavy chain IIA
MYH9

Large size

No consistent defect

Epstein syndrome

5-100

AD

MYH9

Large size

Montreal platelet
syndrome

5-40

AD

Unknown

Large size

Dense granule
deficiency with
albinism:
Hermanasky-Pudlak
(HP) Chediak Higashi
syndrome(CH)

Normal

AR

Proteins involved
in vesicle
formation and
trafficking

number of
abnormal dense
granules,
giant granules
(CH)

Impaired response to
collagen
Spontaneous
agglutination, response
to thrombin
aggregation and
secretion with collagen

Hereditary nephritis,
hearing loss
Hereditary nephritis,
hearing loss
No known

Giant
megakaryocyte
granules

Abnormal but variable; can

be decreased with
thrombin, epinephrine
and/or collagen
Absent aggregation with
epinephrine

Treatment options

MYH9 disorders

Oculocutaneous albinism,
ceroid-lipofuscinosis (HP),
infections (CH)

Abbreviations: DDAVP: Desmopressin (1-deamino-8-D-argine vasopressin); rFVIIa: recombinant factor VIIa; AD: Autosomal dominant; AR:
Autosomal Recessive; ADP: Adenosine Diphosphate; ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate; HMWM: High molecular weight multimers; Y: Yes; N: No;
FcR-: Fc Receptor ; TXA2: Thromboxane A2; GP: Glycoprotein; TAR: Thrombocytopenia and Absent Radii; ?: indicates no documented
efficacy; MYH: Myosine Heavy Chain; WAS: Wiscott-Aldrich Syndrome

20

Platelet Function Disorders

with rFVIIa in patients with Bernard-Soulier

syndrome.

ristocetin, and abnormal aggregation with

collagen.

Defects in granule content / storage pool

deficiencies

Chediak-Higashi syndrome
Chediak-Higashi syndrome is a rare autosomal
recessive disorder with large abnormal granules
that are apparent in melanocytes, leukocytes,
and fibroblasts, but not in platelets. There is a
partial occulocutaneous albinism and oftenrecurrent pyogenic infections. The platelet count
is normal, with a prolonged bleeding time,
decreased dense granules, and abnormal platelet
aggregation associated with a bleeding
tendency.

Storage pool disorders are a heterogeneous

group of diseases in which there is an
abnormality in the ability to store appropriate
products within the platelet granules. The
following represent a few of the recognized
storage pool disorders not associated with a
systemic disorder.
Grey platelet syndrome
Grey platelet syndrome is a disorder
characterized by a protein deficiency (e.g.,
platelet factor 4, -thromboglobulin, fibrinogen
and PDGF) in the alpha granules, both in
platelets and megakaryocytes. On the peripheral
smear the platelets are gray in color and large.
There is consistently impaired aggregation to
thrombin in platelet function studies. A trial of
DDAVP should be undertaken in these patients
prior to the use of platelet transfusions.
However, platelet transfusion may be required
for severe bleeding or for those who fail to
respond to DDAVP.
Quebec platelet disorder
Quebec platelet disorder is inherited as an
autosomal dominant disorder that is associated
with very abnormal aggregation with
epinephrine. There is a defect in alpha granule
proteolysis and a deficiency of alpha granule
multimerin, a multimeric protein that binds
factor V within the granule, thereby leading to a
decreased content of platelet factor V and
several other proteins (fibrinogen, VWF, etc).
The following storage pool disorders are
reported to occur in association with other
systemic inherited disorders.
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome is inherited as an
autosomal recessive disorder with associated
occulocutaneous albinism. There is also a ceroidlike pigment in the bone marrow macrophages.
Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome is characterized
as a mild bleeding disorder with prolonged
bleeding time and a marked absence of dense
bodies. Platelet function studies show an absent
secondary wave to ADP, epinephrine, and

Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome is a rare X-linked
recessive disorder caused by a defect in a
protein now termed as Wiskott-Aldrich
syndrome protein (WASp). The gene resides on
Xp11.22-23, and its expression is limited to cells
of hematopoietic lineage. This disease is
characterized by thrombocytopenia, with small
platelets and immunodeficiency. Patients with
this disorder may have bleeding in association
with the decreased number as well as abnormal
function of the platelets. In some patients a
storage pool deficiency has been described.
Affected patients have a history of recurrent
infections and eczema on physical examination.
Laboratory abnormalities reveal absent
isohemaglutinins. There are associated
immunologic defects. Genetic testing has
revealed abnormalities in many of these
patients. Treatment of acute bleeding is through
platelet transfusions. Splenectomy has shown to
improve the thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow
transplantation should be considered the
definitive treatment for these patients.

Release defects
This group of patients most likely represents the
largest group of platelet function disorders.
Release defects may occur due to abnormalities
in signal transduction from the membrane,
abnormal internal metabolic pathways, and
abnormal release mechanisms or structures
involved in the release reactions (Figure 4). It is
clear therefore that release defects are a
heterogeneous group of disorders with a wide
variety of underlying defects whose
mechanisms are not yet fully elucidated. The
final common abnormality within this group of

Platelet Function Disorders

defects is the failure to successfully release
granule contents upon platelet activation.
Release defects are associated with a prolonged
bleeding time and an abnormal in vitro platelet
aggregation profile characterized by
abnormalities of aggregation in association with
ADP, including an absent secondary wave,
epinephrine and collagen, with a blunted or
absent secondary wave. In more sophisticated
studies, there is a measurable defect in ADP
release. There are normal metabolic stores of
ADP (those not associated with granule
contents). The contents of granules are normal.
Many patients with release defects may be
treated with DDAVP.

Coagulation factor defects affecting

platelet function
Abnormalities of plasma coagulation factors
may lead to defects in platelet function, despite
the presence of normal numbers of properlyfunctioning platelets. The most common
abnormality in this category is VWD. Absence of
plasma and platelet fibrinogen leads to a defect
in platelet function, as fibrinogen is important in
the platelet-platelet interaction within the
primary hemostatic plug. Afibrinogenemia is a
rare autosomal recessive defect. Both VWD and
afibrinogenemia lead to adhesive defects in
platelet function: VWD in the platelet vessel
interaction, and afibrinogenemia in the plateletplatelet interaction.
von Willebrand disease
The defect in VWD resides within the VWF,
which plays an important part in platelet
function and whose platelet receptor is GPIb/IX.
Abnormalities in VWF may lead to
mucocutaneous bleeding similar to that seen in
platelet function defects. VWD is inherited as an
autosomal dominant trait with males and
females equally affected. The bleeding time may
be prolonged. Coagulation factor studies may
reveal abnormalities in factor VIII activity,
quantitative VWF antigen, VWF activity
(commonly measured in the ristocetin cofactor
assay), and the structure of the protein itself
(usually assessed through multimeric analysis
by gel electrophoresis).
Afibrinogenemia
This is a rare autosomal recessive disorder in
which there are extremely low or absent levels

21
of fibrinogen. The bleeding time may be
prolonged. In some patients there may be an
associated decrease in platelet counts as well as
an abnormal platelet aggregation profile. The
absence or severe deficiency of plasma
fibrinogen leads to impaired platelet-platelet
interaction.

Defects in platelet pro-coagulant activity

Scott syndrome
Scott syndrome is perhaps the best-described
defect in platelet function in this category. In
Scott syndrome, platelets have defective binding
of factor Va-X and factor VIIIa-IXa complexes.
Defective binding of these plasma coagulation
factor complexes results in impaired activation
of factor X and prothrombin, platelet-dependent
fibrin formation, and an abnormality in platelet
factor 3 activity. These defects have been
attributed to an abnormality in the expression of
phosphatidylserine in the plasma membrane.

Miscellaneous Congenital Disorders

There are disorders of platelet function that have
been reported to occur in association with
connective tissue disorders. These include but
are not limited to such disorders as EhlersDanlos syndrome, Marfans syndrome,
osteogenesis imperfecta, and fragile X
syndrome. May-Hegglin anomaly is an
autosomal dominant disorder characterized by
ineffective thrombopoiesis with normal platelet
function studies, and abnormal inclusion
granules in leukocytes. Platelet function defects
have also been reported to occur in association
with Downs syndrome.
Thrombocytopenia and absent radii syndrome
(TAR) is characterized by thrombocytopenia and
defects of the radial bone. Platelet function
defects have been reported in TAR syndrome.
Infants with this syndrome may suffer severe
and even fatal bleeding in the first year of life,
after which the thrombocytopenia gradually
improves. Prophylactic platelet transfusions are
recommended in this population of patients.
Hereditary autosomal dominant
thrombocytopenia resembling idiopathic
thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has been
reported and may be associated with a platelet
function defect. Platelet function defects have

22

Platelet Function Disorders

also been reported to occur in association with

increased serum IgA, nephritis, deafness, and
giant platelets.

Conclusion
Platelets are essential for primary hemostasis.
Platelet function defects comprise a large and
heterogeneous group of bleeding disorders that
range in severity from mild to severe. Patients
may be asymptomatic; however, the majority
who are diagnosed present with easy bruising
and mucocutaneous bleeding, or excessive
hemorrhage following injury or surgery. As the
complex internal biochemical and signal
transduction pathways are further elucidated,
and as structural analysis of platelets advances,
more of the mechanisms leading to platelet
function defects will be understood. Despite our
advances in the understanding of the etiology of
these defects in function, treatment remains
fairly rudimentary. Adjunctive therapies (such
as antifibrinolytics, microfibular collagen, fibrin
glue, etc.), DDAVP, rFVIIa, and platelet
transfusions remain the mainstay of therapy
available at this time. For platelet function
disorders associated with a defect in a plasma
coagulation factor such as von Willebrand
disease and afibrinogenemia, treatment consists
of replacement of the deficient coagulation
factor.

Resources
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Brewer DB. Max Schultze (1865), G.

Bizzozero (1882) and the discovery of the
platelet. Br J Haematol, 2006; 133: 251-8.

2.

Michelson AD. Platelets, Second Edition,

Academic Press.

3.

George JN. Platelets. Lancet, 2000; 355: 1531-9.

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Bolton-Maggs PH, Chalmers EA, Collins

PW, Harrison P, Kitchen S, Liesner RJ,
Minford A, Mumford AD, Parapia LA,
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disorders with guidelines for their
management on behalf of the UKHCDO. Br
J Haematol, 2006; 135(5):603-33.

5.

Dav G, Patrono C. Platelet activation and

atherothrombosis. N Engl J Med, 2007; 357:
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Franchini M. The use of desmopressin as a

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