Multiparameter platelet function analysis of bleeding patients with a prolonged platelet function analyser closure time

F.C.J.I. Heubel-Moenen*, S.L.N. Brouns, L. Herfs, L.S. Boerenkamp, N.J. Jooss, R.J.H. Wetzels, P.W.M. Verhezen, P. Machiels, K. Megy, K. Downes, J.W.M. Heemskerk, E.A.M. Beckers, Y.M.C. Henskens

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Patients referred for evaluation of bleeding symptoms occasionally have a prolonged platelet function analyser (PFA) closure time, without evidence for von Willebrand disease or impaired platelet aggregation. The aim of this study was to establish a shear-dependent platelet function defect in these patients. Patients were included based on high bleeding score and prior PFA prolongation. Common tests of von Willebrand factor (VWF) and platelet function and exome sequencing were performed. Microfluidic analysis of shear-dependent collagen-induced whole-blood thrombus formation was performed. In 14 PFA-only patients, compared to healthy volunteers, microfluidic tests showed significantly lower platelet adhesion and thrombus formation parameters. This was accompanied by lower integrin activation, phosphatidylserine exposure and P-selectin expression. Principal components analysis indicated VWF as primary explaining variable of PFA prolongation, whereas conventional platelet aggregation primarily explained the reduced thrombus parameters under shear. In five patients with severe microfluidic abnormalities, conventional platelet aggregation was in the lowest range of normal. No causal variants in Mendelian genes known to cause bleeding or platelet disorders were identified. Multiparameter assessment of whole-blood thrombus formation under shear indicates single or combined effects of low-normal VWF and low-normal platelet aggregation in these patients, suggesting a shear-dependent platelet function defect, not detected by static conventional haemostatic tests.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1388-1400
Number of pages13
JournalBritish Journal of Haematology
Volume196
Issue number6
Early online date10 Jan 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2022

Keywords

  • bleeding disorders
  • diagnostic haematology
  • flow
  • genetics of thrombosis and haemostasis
  • platelet function
  • VON-WILLEBRAND-DISEASE
  • MEASURE THROMBUS FORMATION
  • PRIMARY HEMOSTASIS
  • CLINICAL UTILITY
  • DISORDERS
  • PFA-100
  • DIAGNOSIS
  • DEFECTS
  • SYSTEM
  • ASSAY

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