Congenital platelet function defects are problems with platelets, one of the blood elements needed for normal blood clotting. Congenital means present from birth.

Platelets are elements in the blood that help form clots. Congenital platelet function defects are bleeding disorders that cause reduced platelet function, even though there are normal platelet counts.

People with these disorders usually have a family history of a bleeding disorder that causes prolonged bleeding after minor cuts or surgery, or easy bruising.

Bernard-Soulier syndrome occurs when platelets lack a substance that sticks to the walls of blood vessels. This disorder may cause severe bleeding.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a condition caused by the lack of a protein required for platelets to clump together. This disorder may also cause severe bleeding.

Platelet storage pool disorder is a mild defect that causes bruising. It is caused by faulty storage of substances inside platelets. These substances are usually released to help platelets function properly.

• Abnormal menstrual periods
• Bleeding during and after surgery
• Bleeding gums
• Easy bruising
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Prolonged bleeding with small injuries

The following tests may be used to diagnose this condition:

• Bleeding time
• CBC
• Platelet aggregation test
• PT, PTT

You may need other tests. Your relatives may need to be tested.

There is no specific treatment for these disorders.

People with bleeding disorders should avoid taking aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen and naproxen) because they are known to affect blood clotting. Patients who have severe bleeding may need platelet transfusions.

Treatment can usually control the bleeding. However, congenital platelet function defects are life-long conditions. There is no cure. Patients should take precautions to avoid bleeding.

• Severe bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia in menstruating women

Call your health care provider if:

• You have bleeding or bruising and do not know the cause
• Bleeding does not respond to the usual method of control

A blood test can detect the gene responsible for the platelet defect. Genetic counseling may be helpful to couples with a family history of a congenital platelet function defect who are planning to have children in the future.

McMillan R. Hemorrhagic disorders: Abnormalities of platelet and vascular function. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 179.