What is a platelet?
Platelets are small, disc-shaped cells that circulate in the blood in large numbers, primarily to stop bleeding and begin repair of injured blood vessels.  A normal blood clot will not form when platelet numbers are low or if platelet function is abnormal.

Symptoms of platelet function disorder
Typical problems of platelet function disorder include:

• repeated nosebleeds
• easy bruising
• heavy menstrual periods
• prolonged or excessive bleeding during surgery
  

Symptoms vary even among members of the same family.  Most people will have mild symptoms, and many will have no symptoms unless they have surgery or are seriously injured. Few will have severe bleeding problems.

Types of Hereditary Platelet Disorders

• Bernard-Soulier Syndrome is a rare, hereditary disorder resulting in the inability of platelets to stick and spread at sites of blood vessel injury. Children usually develop bruising, nosebleeds or mouth bleeds and may later develop gastrointestinal tract bleeding. Women may have heavy menstrual periods.
• Glanzmann Thrombasthenia is a rare, hereditary disorder resulting in the inability of the platelets to clump together and form a plug. Children usually develop bruising, nosebleeds or mouth bleeds.  Women may experience heavy periods or bleeding during childbirth.
• Delta Storage Pool Deficiency is a deficiency of dense storage granules that promote platelet activation and blood vessel constriction. Those with this disorder have mild to moderate bleeding problems, which most often include bruising and nosebleeds. Some may have abnormalities in hair color, difficulties with vision or increased susceptibility to infection.

Treatment
The treatment for platelet function disorders depends on the type of disorder and the location and severity of the bleeding.  Most people require treatment only for surgical procedures (including dental surgery) and following injuries. Treatment options may include Desmopressin (DDAVP)/Stimate nasal spray, Aminocaproic acid (Amicar) or platelet transfusions.

Prevention
To decrease the likelihood of bleeding:

• Avoid medications that inhibit platelet function such as aspirin, aspirin-containing products, Ibuprofen, Aleve, antihistamine-containing products (i.e. Benadryl), certain antibiotics and antidepressants and blood thinners.  Ask your doctor or nurse for a complete list.
• Avoid certain foods or herbs that may interfere with platelet function such as diets rich in fish oils, garlic, ginger, clove, celery, licorice, ginseng, horseradish, onion and alcohol.
• Get preventive dental care.  Regular brushing, flossing, supplemental fluoride and regular dental check-ups can help decrease the need for dental surgery. 
• Avoid putting babies to bed with a bottle and giving older children pop and snacks high in sugar.
• Wear a Medical Alert bracelet or necklace to alert medical personnel of your bleeding tendency in case of an emergency.
• Wear a helmet when biking or skating.