Prednisone-induced hemostasis in a platelet function abnormality

J. J. Hutter and W. E. Hathaway

A 6-year old girl had chronic thrombocytopenia and substantial platelet function abnormality associated with detectable IgM antiplatelet antibody. Treatment with prednisone was followed by an improvement in bleeding time, although in vitro platelet function deteriorated. This observation suggests an effect of prednisone on hemostasis that is independent of platelet function. Further trials of prednisone in patients with similar platelet function abnormalities who have a substantial bleeding tendency would appear indicated.