The usefulness of the platelet function analyser (PFA-100) in screening for underlying bleeding disorders in women with menorrhagia

Acharya, S. , Barraclough, J., Ibrahim, M.S., Oxby, C., Jones, S.E., Parapia, L. and O'Donovan, P. (2008) The usefulness of the platelet function analyser (PFA-100) in screening for underlying bleeding disorders in women with menorrhagia. Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 28(3), pp. 310-314. (doi: 10.1080/01443610802141910) (PMID:18569475)

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Abstract

The prevalence of underlying bleeding disorders is common in women with menorrhagia. This was a prospective study to screen for the underlying bleeding disorders in women presenting with menorrhagia by using the PFA-100 and comparing the accuracy of the results with the complete haematological assays. A total of 62 women referred to gynaecology outpatients with a history of heavy, regular periods had blood collected for analysis by the PFA-100 and also a full coagulation profile including von Willebrand factor. PFA-100 analysis suggested platelet defects in 10 (16%) women. This included five (8%) identified with von Willebrand disease, two (3.2%) with storage pool disorders and three (4.8%) without any recognisable platelet or bleeding disorders after a full coagulation profile, including von Willebrand factor, was carried out. PFA-100 results had a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94.8% in our study. We conclude that PFA-100 is a quick and reliable method of screening for impaired haemostasis in patients with menorrhagia.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Acharya, Santanu
Authors: Acharya, S., Barraclough, J., Ibrahim, M.S., Oxby, C., Jones, S.E., Parapia, L., and O'Donovan, P.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
Journal Name:Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Publisher:Informa Healthcare
ISSN:0144-3615
ISSN (Online):1364-6893

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