Platelet dysfunction in acute megakaryoblastic leukemia

Platelet function profiles were studied in 3 patients with megakaryoblastic leukemia. All patients had a moderate decrease in platelet counts with abnormal platelet retention. One patient who developed hemorrhagic diathesis had prolonged bleeding time. In all patients platelet aggregation was defective after the addition of ADP, collagen, adrenaline, or U46619, a thromboxane A2 agonist. Malondialdehyde was reduced in all patients, as was platelet serotonin. Plasma beta-thromboglobulin levels were normal in all cases whereas PF4 was markedly elevated in one. Platelet dysfunction was not reversed by clinical remission. These studies confirm that megakaryoblastic leukemia is associated with a thrombocytopathy which may play a role in hemorrhagic diathesis and should be taken into account in the management of these patients.