Platelets are cells in the blood that help with blood clotting. When a blood vessel is injured, platelets stick or clump together to form a ‘platelet plug’ at the site of the injury and to help stop the bleeding.
In inherited platelet function disorders, the platelets do not stick or the plug does not form properly, leading to a tendency to bleed for longer than normal or bruise easily. Since platelets have many roles in blood clotting, platelet function disorders can range from mild to severe. Examples include Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome.
LINKS TO SELECTED RESOURCES:
What are inherited platelet function disorders?
(World Federation of Hemophilia, 2023)
This booklet describes the role of platelets in the body and gives the cause, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of Glanzmann Thrombasthenia, Bernard Soulier syndrome and storage pool deficiencies. It also covers living well.
Platelet function disorders
(Canadian Hemophilia Society)
Explains how platelets work, why platelet function disorders occur, and how serious they are, and includes symptoms, diagnosis, types and treatment.