Pathophysiology

Pathophysiology Study Guide

©2018 of 131 bones, confusion and dizziness, constipation, increase in thirst, infections, rash of purple color, breathlessness, weight loss, and fatigue. Disorder of Platelets Platelets are a part of the blood that assist in the healing of wounds and formation of blood clots. Platelets are made by bone marrow in the body. Platelet disorders may be due to an increased or decreased number of platelets or the malfunctioning of platelets. If the number of platelets falls, it can cause bleeding issues and if it increases, the risk of blood clots increases. Further, other disorders impair the functioning of platelets. For instance, the patient suffering from von Willebrand disease suffers from excessive bleeding as the platelets are not able to attach together and stick to blood vessels. Some of the disorders of platelets are explained below. Thrombocytopenia Thrombocytes are the part of platelets that help in the clotting of blood. Thrombocytopenia is the platelet disorder in which the count of platelets (thrombocytes) falls significantly. Thrombocytopenia causes bleeding, and can range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the case. In extreme cases, internal bleeding can happen, which is a medical emergency. The mechanism of thrombocytopenia includes reduction in the production of platelets, increase in the splenic sequestration along with survival of normal platelets, a rise in the consumption or destruction of platelets, and the dilution of platelets. Thrombocytopenia is triggered by many drugs, which lead to immunologic destruction. Some specific causes include gestational drugs like heparin, trimethoprim, or sulfamethoxazole, chemotherapeutic agents, and systemic infection. Platelet Dysfunction Any intrinsic defect may cause the platelets in the blood to malfunction, and can be hereditary or acquired. The hereditary platelet dysfunction is usually not very common and is due to a hereditary hemorrhagic disease, like von Willebrand disease, while acquired platelet disorders are due to diseases like kidney failure or other medicines and drugs. If the patient suffers from a prolonged history of bruising, tooth extraction-induced bleeding, surgery, heavy menstruation, or childbirth it denotes the presence of hereditary platelet dysfunction. In contrast, if the symptoms show up soon after the intake of any causative drug, like clopidogrel or ticagrelor, the platelet dysfunction is said to be due to drug acquired platelet dysfunction. Some diagnosis tests involve von Willebrand factor antigen and activity and platelet aggregation test. Treatment is done by stopping the intake of drugs that cause the malfunctioning of platelets and a platelet transfusion may be needed in extreme and rare cases. Disorders of Plasma and Metastasis Hemophilia A Achieve Page 42