Acquired Platelet Function Disorder
Alternate Names : Acquired Qualitative Platelet Disorder
An acquired platelet function disorder refers to an abnormality
in the clotting ability of the platelets that develops sometime after birth.
Platelets are a type of cell found in the blood that help the blood to clot.
A number of disorders can affect the function of platelets.
What is going on in the body?
Platelets, along with a number of other substances in the
blood, help blood to clot. When a person cuts him- or herself, blood
must clot, or turn solid, to stop the bleeding. When platelets lose their
ability to function for any reason, abnormal bleeding and bruising may
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
There are many possible causes of acquired platelet
function defect. Common causes are as follows:
certain cancers of the blood, such as
and polycythemia vera
long-standing kidney failure, known as
chronic renal failure
medicines, including aspirin, penicillin, and nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs, which are called NSAIDs
open heart surgery
severe liver disease,
such as cirrhosis
systemic lupus erythematosus,
which is an autoimmune disorder
where a person's immune system attacks his or her own body for