Preface

Platelet disorders are quite common and are encountered not only by hematologists but also nearly all physicians throughout the various specialties. Although platelets are tiny particles, they are capable of causing bleeding or wrecking thrombotic havoc. A significantly achieved and detailed understanding of platelet physiology and biochemistry has afforded us a wealth of information regarding the pathological role of platelets in both bleeding and thrombotic tendencies.

This issue of Hematology/Oncology Clinics of North America is dedicated to platelet disorders; it covers both the quantitative and qualitative defects affecting adults and children. The contributions by a galaxy of well known authors comprise this issue, which addresses bleeding tendency caused by thrombocytopenia or thrombocytopathy and thrombotic tendency. Paul Bray's article on platelet hyperactivity is unique, because we now have a greater understanding of platelet function, and different pharmacological therapies have been developed subsequently to focus on platelet function inhibition. Similarly, articles on immune thrombocytopenic purpura, heparin induced thrombocytopenia, and thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura will provide readers with the most recent advances in the understanding of pathophysiology and management of these common, yet at times, difficult to manage diseases.

The management of platelet dysfunction, whether acquired or congenital, requires an intuitive mindset; these articles will remind readers to think with this frame of reference while evaluating bleeding tendency with normal platelet count. The article by Drs. Seegmiller and Sarode on the assessment of platelet function will assist clinicians with the proper approach to laboratory evaluation. Ultimately, many patients who have these disorders require platelet transfusion therapy, which is covered extensively in Dr. Sherrill Slichter's article. For all of the reasons listed above, I am quite optimistic about the success of this issue. I am confident that both the hematologist and non-hematologist will find this issue pertinent and useful to his/her practice and improved patient care.