Causes, Incidence and Risk Factors Platelets are blood cells that are essential for blood clotting. Any platelet disorder affects blood clotting. Disorders of platelet function can be caused by congenital diseases or acquired conditions. In many cases, the platelet count may be normal or even elevated, but evidence of a bleeding disorder will be present. Myeloproliferative disorders such as primary thrombocytopenia , polycythemia vera , chronic myelogenous leukemia , and myelofibrosis can produce abnormalities in platelet function.
Dialysis reduces the bleeding tendency if the cause is renal failure .
Calling Your Health Care Provider Call for an appointment with your health care provider if bleeding of unknown cause is present. Call your health care provider if symptoms worsen or do not improve after treatment of an acquired platelet function defect. Prevention Care in the use of medications can reduce the risk of drug-related acquired platelet function defects. Treatment of other disorders may also reduce risk. Some cases are not preventable.