Which is an example of a qualitative platelet defect?

Which is an example of a qualitative platelet defect?

• A. Dysfunction (qualitative) - uremia, liver disease, DIC, drugs, myeloproliferative
• B. Decreased production or increased destruction (quantitative) - drugs, virus, ITP, TTP, HUS, DIC
• C. Iron deficiency
• D. Aplastic anemia

Answer: (A)

A qualitative platelet defect refers to impaired platelet function rather than a low platelet count. In these cases, bleeding tendency arises because platelets don’t work properly to form a plug, even if their numbers are normal. Uremia, liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and certain drugs can all impair platelet function directly, leading to a qualitative defect. Myeloproliferative disorders can also be associated with abnormal platelet function despite normal or near-normal counts. The other options point to quantitative issues—problems with how many platelets are present rather than how well they work. Decreased production or increased destruction reduces the platelet count (quantitative). Iron deficiency typically affects red cells and can be associated with reactive changes in platelets but is not a primary qualitative defect. Aplastic anemia reduces production of all blood cell lines, including platelets, which is also a quantitative problem.

A qualitative platelet defect refers to impaired platelet function rather than a low platelet count. In these cases, bleeding tendency arises because platelets don’t work properly to form a plug, even if their numbers are normal. Uremia, liver disease, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and certain drugs can all impair platelet function directly, leading to a qualitative defect. Myeloproliferative disorders can also be associated with abnormal platelet function despite normal or near-normal counts.

The other options point to quantitative issues—problems with how many platelets are present rather than how well they work. Decreased production or increased destruction reduces the platelet count (quantitative). Iron deficiency typically affects red cells and can be associated with reactive changes in platelets but is not a primary qualitative defect. Aplastic anemia reduces production of all blood cell lines, including platelets, which is also a quantitative problem.