title: Assessment of thrombocytopenic disorders using the Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100).
abstract: The Platelet Function Analyzer (PFA-100) was used to measure platelet function in paediatric patients with destructive versus underproduction thrombocytopenia. Closure time (CT) and total volume (TV) measurements with standard 150 microm apertures discriminated between patients with similar platelet counts from 30 to 150 x 10(9)/l. However, at platelet counts < 30 x 10(9)/l, a 100-microm aperture (experimental) gave the best assessment of platelet function. TV results could be analysed even when CTs were indeterminate. Further investigations are warranted to more fully understand the relationships among platelet function as measured by the PFA-100 in standard/experimental modes, bleeding and transfusion outcome in thrombocytopenia.
authors.affiliation: Divisions of Haematology/Oncology, The Hospital for Sick Children, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X8, Canada.
authors.forename: Manuel D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Carcao
authors.forename: Victor S
authors.initials: VS
authors.lastname: Blanchette
authors.forename: Derek
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Stephens
authors.forename: Lijing
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Cindy D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Wakefield
authors.forename: Sheila
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Butchart
authors.forename: Douglas J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Christie
authors.forename: Margaret L
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Rand
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D010976:Platelet Count; D010979:Platelet Function Tests / Q000379:methods*; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood* / Q000209:etiology