Platelet Disorders

Question 1

An idiopathic IgG autoantibody-mediated condition common in both children and adults. It is a form of type II hypersensitivity with antibody formation to altered platelet antigens and subsequent platelet destruction in the spleen

• -> IgG antibody formed, binds, and destroys platelets
• -> Treatment: Glucocorticoids can be used to remove immune response; splenectomy

Answer 1

Immune Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP)

Question 2

An autoimmune disorder that results in intravascular aggregation of platelets and rapid development of arterial and venous thrombosis in response to heparin administration

• -> IgG antibodies formed against heparin, platelets form clots
• -> Rapid clotting in veins/arteries

Answer 2

Heparin Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Question 3

Less common than ITP; platelets aggregate and block microcirculation; clotting cascade not stimulated but clots will still form; ADAM TS-13 defect; Treatment = give frozen blood

Answer 3

Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP)

Question 4

Relatively uncommon condition that interferes with the synthesis of prothrombin, coagulant factors, and anticoagulant factors (proteins C and S) so that the homeostatic balance b/w coagulation and anticoagulation is lost; needed for clotting

Answer 4

Vitamin K deficiency

Question 5

Refers to a group of sex-linked recessive disorders that cause insufficient production of clotting factors; Von Willebrand disease: most common hereditary bleeding disorder, defect of deficiency of blood clotting protein; need platelet replacement

Answer 5

Hemophilia