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Inherited Disorders of Platelet Function

Release Date: August 21, 2006

Expiration Date: August 21, 2007

Estimated time to complete this Activity: 45 minutes

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Overview

Because platelets play a major role in blood coagulation, platelet defects are associated with various bleeding manifestations. Platelet disorders range from autoimmune and alloimmune thrombocytopenias to drug-induced thrombocytopenia and hemolytic uremic syndrome. Congenital disorders of platelet adhesion include von Willebrand disease, which involves abnormalities in plasma von Willebrand factor (vWF), and Bernard-Soulier syndrome, in which platelet glycoprotein Ib is abnormal. Disorders of platelet aggregation involve impaired platelet-platelet interaction as a result of a deficiency in plasma fibrinogen or because of abnormalities in platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex (Glanzmann's thrombasthenia). The underlying pathophysiology of these bleeding conditions is diverse and not fully understood. In some patients, abnormalities in early signal transduction events are believed to contribute to platelet dysfunction. This slide presentation will describe the role of platelets in hemostasis and in various coagulopathic conditions. The characteristic differences between platelet disorders and coagulation factor deficiencies in terms of bleeding diatheses; differential diagnoses, laboratory work-up, and treatment options will be described.

Target Audience

Inherited Disorders of Platelet Function is intended to provide transfusion specialists, hematologists, and other healthcare professionals with an overview of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of, and management options for congenital platelet disorders.

Learning Objectives

After completing this continuing medical education (CME) activity, participants should be able to:

• Describe the role of platelets in hemostasis
• Differentiate between platelet disorders and coagulation factor deficiencies
• Evaluate the laboratory diagnosis and monitoring of platelet disorders
• Review the treatment options for platelet disorders

Accreditation Statement

This activity has expired.

Designation Statement

This activity has expired.

How to Get Credit

This activity has expired.

Faculty Disclosure

It is the policy of the FCG Institute for Continuing Education that all faculty participating in continuing medical education activities are expected to disclose to the program audience (1) any real or apparent conflict(s) of interest related to the content of their presentation and (2) discussion of unlabeled or unapproved uses of drugs or medical devices. Faculty disclosure statements can be found with their biographical sketches.

Conflict of Interest Resolution

When individuals in a position to control or influence the development of the content have reported Financial Relationships with one or more commercial interests, The FCG Institute for Continuing Education utilizes a process to identify and resolve potential conflicts to ensure that the content presented is free of commercial bias. The content of this presentation was vetted through The Institute’s process of peer review and content validation and modified as required to meet this standard.

Notice About Investigational or Off-Label Use

This educational activity may include discussion of drugs or devices or uses of drugs and devices, that have not been approved by the FDA or have been approved by the FDA for specific uses only. It is the responsibility of the physician to determine the FDA clearance status of each drug or device he or she wishes to use in clinical practice. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education is committed to the free exchange of medical education. Inclusion of any product or device discussion, including discussion of investigational or off-label uses, does not imply endorsement by The Institute of the uses, products, or techniques presented.

Disclaimer

This CME/CE activity is designed for use by healthcare professionals for educational purposes only. The information and opinions expressed by the faculty are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of The FCG Institute. The FCG Institute for Continuing Education does not define a standard of care, nor does it intend to dictate an exclusive course of management but presents through the educational activities it sponsors recognized methods and techniques of clinical practice for consideration by physicians and other healthcare providers for incorporation into their practices. Participants should use their own clinical judgment before applying information, whether provided here or by others, for any professional use.

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Sponsored by: The FCG Institute for Continuing Education

The FCG Institute for Continuing Education
gratefully acknowledges an educational grant from
Novo Nordisk Inc. in support of this Web Site