The Clinical Importance of Acquired Abnormalities of Platelet Function

ACQUIRED abnormalities of platelet function are very common. Platelet function, as assessed by in vitro studies or the bleeding-time test, is affected by a vast number of drugs, common foods, vitamins, and spices; by systemic conditions such as chronic renal disease and surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass; and by hematologic disorders such as myeloproliferative and lymphoproliferative diseases, dysproteinemias, and the presence of antiplatelet antibodies. The possibility that these abnormalities may underlie an increased risk of bleeding is an important issue when bleeding occurs without a clear cause or when invasive procedures are required. However, the clinical importance of platelet dysfunction is . . .