Diseases or Conditions of Platelet Disorders

Platelets play an important role in hemostasis, initiation of blood coagulation, and wound healing. There are various inherited and acquired disorders associated with platelets; patients with platelet disorders must therefore be identified and educated on both their potential bleeding risk and avoidance of those compounds which could increase their risk. This chapter discusses types of platelet disorders, diagnosis, management, and perioperative considerations. Overall, platelet disorders should be carefully considered by a physician when evaluating patients, especially when considering surgery as intraoperative bleeding disturbances can occur secondary to direct surgical manipulation of anatomy or due to hemostatic abnormalities.