Platelets And Their Vital Functions: A Comprehensive Educational Medical Study

Abstract

This study aimed to shed light on platelets in terms of their structure, vital functions, and medical importance, focusing on associated disorders to promote health awareness and community education. The study addressed the nature of platelets, their primary role in blood coagulation, and their various medical uses, particularly in supporting cancer patients during chemotherapy. It also highlighted the importance of platelet donation as a vital means to improve treatment outcomes. To achieve the study's objective, a descriptive methodology was used to describe the current reality and necessary requirements, along with practical recommendations. The results confirmed that platelets are produced through two main methods: the manual method and apheresis, each with its advantages and disadvantages. It was indicated that platelet disorders directly affect patients' health, with symptoms ranging from bleeding to thrombosis, necessitating early detection and appropriate treatment. It was also shown that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) contributes to stimulating tissue regeneration and increasing mature bone density by up to 30%, and plays a central role in various stages of wound healing by promoting the proliferation of stem cells, osteoblasts, and fibroblasts. The results confirmed that the assessment of response to platelet transfusion is performed using apheresis technology by calculating the Corrected Count Increment (CCI) after the transfusion procedure. The study recommends increasing community awareness campaigns, integrating platelet concepts into educational curricula, and encouraging regular voluntary donation. It also recommends training medical personnel and stimulating scientific research to develop platelet-related treatments, aiming to improve the quality of healthcare, especially in the fields of hematology and oncology.