Inherited platelet disorders in women

Abstract

Inherited platelet disorders (IPD) are a heterogeneous group of hemorrhagic diseases affecting both men and women, but usually associated with more evident bleeding symptoms in women due to the exposure to sexspecific hemostatic challenges, like menstruation and delivery. Indeed, up to 50% of women presenting with menorrhagia are diagnosed an IPD, moreover women with IPD can have ovulation-associated bleeding events and are at higher risk of endometriosis. Large retrospective studies have shown that women with IPD have a significantly increased risk of post-partum hemorrhage, predicted by a high bleeding score at previous history and by a platelet count below 50X10⁹/L. In addition, in patients with IPD, female sex was associated with a higher frequency of excessive bleeding after surgery, even when excluding gynecological procedures. In conclusion, IPD may represent a serious problem for women's health, and their diagnosis and appropriate management is crucial to ensure female patients a good quality of life.

Keywords: Haemorrhage treatment; Heavy menstrual bleeding; Inherited platelet disorders; Postpartum bleeding.