platelettoimintahäiriöt

Platelet function disorders are conditions that affect how platelets, small blood cells responsible for clotting, work. Normally, when a blood vessel is injured, platelets gather at the site, clump together, and form a plug to stop bleeding. In platelet function disorders, this process is impaired, leading to an increased risk of bleeding.

These disorders can be inherited, meaning they are present from birth due to genetic mutations, or acquired, developing later in life due to other medical conditions or medications. Inherited disorders include conditions like Glanzmann thrombasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, which affect the proteins on the platelet surface necessary for aggregation. Acquired disorders can be caused by certain medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which inhibit platelet activity. Other causes include chronic kidney disease, liver disease, and certain cancers.

Symptoms of platelet function disorders vary widely but commonly include easy bruising, nosebleeds that are difficult to stop, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and prolonged bleeding after cuts or surgery. In severe cases, internal bleeding can occur. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and blood tests, including a platelet count and tests to assess platelet aggregation and function. Treatment aims to manage bleeding episodes and prevent future bleeding, often involving medications to improve platelet function or reduce bleeding, and in some cases, platelet transfusions.