The effects of four commonly used drugs on platelet function

Cardiovascular complications of mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome

The clinical and pathologic changes seen in patients with Kawasaki disease are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the cardiovascular manifestations and the present treatment and suggested long-term follow-up of this disorder.

Prolonged bleeding time

The bleeding time is the most frequently used test of platelet function. This review of the literature relating to the bleeding time outlines the causes and management of prolonged bleeding time. The bleeding time appears to have its greatest utility in evaluation of a patient with active bleeding or one with a well-documented bleeding history. It should not be used as a substitute for a clinical history, since there is insufficient information available to calculate its sensitivity, specificity, or predictive value with regard to peri- or postoperative hemorrhage.

Acute bleeding emergencies

The successful management of acute bleeding depends on the ability to make a rapid diagnosis so that specific hemostatic therapy can be used whenever possible. Three kinds of manifestations--acute hemorrhage in a child with a known or suspected hereditary bleeding disorder; the bleeding tendency that occurs secondary to a specific disease process; and an unexpected and isolated episode in an otherwise well child--are discussed.