Findings from a two-year research project on inherited platelet function disorders led by Dr. Catherine Hayward of McMaster University as principal investigator, funded by a 2014-2015 CHS Dream of a Cure grant totalling $150,000, have now been published in Research and practice in thrombosis and haemostasis journal. The goals of this project, entitled Characterization of common inherited platelet function disorders, were to evaluate bleeding risks for inherited platelet function disorders and investigate the causes of variations in bleeding problems seen in some families and between affected and unaffected individuals within a family. (You can see the 2014 research proposal on the CHS website at www.hemophilia.ca/chs-dream-of-a-cure-research-program.)
Patients with uncharacterized platelet function disorders are associated with increased bleeding risks. Dr Hayward reported evidence showing that impaired aggregation response is associated with more bruising and wound healing problems, and severe dense granule deficiency is associated with surgical bleeding. These findings are of particular importance to physicians and surgeons who treat patients with these rare disorders. (See the article on the journal website: https://dx.doi.org/10.1002/rth2.12374.)
The CHS is pleased that this research has led to findings that support evidence-based care for people with platelet function disorders and development of better tests for these conditions, and help advance our mission to improve the health and quality of life of all people in Canada with inherited bleeding disorders and ultimately finding cures. Such research would not be possible without the generous donations to the Hemophilia Research Million Dollar Club.
