Hereditary disorders of platelet function are often complex. Bleeding due to defective platelet function may be intermittent and unpredictable. Only few guidelines concerning testing for platelet function and treatment of affected patients have been developed so far. These experiences prompted the authors to initiate a collaborative patterns-of-practice survey and to establish a competence network in order to improve diagnosis and treatment of affected patients in German speaking countries (Thromkid quality project). Materials and Methods: Data were obtained by using standardized survey protocols between May 2005 and August 2006. Results: A total of 50 centers were identified. 88% agreed to participate in Thromkid. The laboratories offered a median of 4 tests. All laboratories offered platelet aggregometry. 28 laboratories used the PFA-100® closure time. Further widely used tests were the in vivo bleeding time and flow cytometry. 215 affected patients were identified 123 of whom fulfilled the authors’ set of criteria, 43%were considered poorly characterized. Morbus Glanzmann,aspirin-like defects, and receptor defects were the most common diagnoses. Discussion: Future activities include i) to establish a web-based register of all centers, ii) to establish a patient registry, and iii) to prepare the basis for well-designed clinical studies resulting in rational and clinically useful guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of affected patients.

This content is only available via PDF.
2007
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.