The prevalence of platelet function defects in patients referred to the special reference coagulation laboratory of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization

Platelet function disorders are common in the world population but in our country except for severe cases، they are not well investigated due to limited diagnostic tools. In recent two years we aimed to assess platelet function tests in referral patients suspected of platelet function disorders، in the special reference coagulation laboratory of Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization، as the center equipped with lumi-aggregometer. We have investigated 195 referral patients during a seven-month period، from November 2011 to May 2012، for platelet aggregation and ATP release response for highly suspected patients with four platelet agonists ADP، collagen، arachidonic acid and ristocetin and a luciferin-luciferase reagent. Results were analyzed by SPSS version 16. Among 195 referred patients، 90 cases (46. 1%) had an abnormality in platelet count or function. Abnormal cases fall within the categories of low platelet count with normal function (8. 2%)، ATP release (secretion) defect (6. 7%)، Glanzman''s thrombastenia (4. 6%)، Bernard Solier Syndrome (2%)، acquired platelet defect (1. 5%)، afibrinogenemia (0. 5%)، and uncategorized platelet function disorders (22. 6%). The other 105 remaining patients showed a quiet normal result. The present study is the first simultaneous analysis of platelet function and secretion disorders. In order to guess the true prevalence of these disorders، more wider and comprehensive studies، the use of more complete panels of agonists and ATP release assessment in all patients with an abnormal aggregometry pattern have been suggested for future studies.