Introduction: Sticky platelet syndrome (SPS) is most likely a hereditary thrombophilia characterized by platelet hyperaggregation after low concentrations of platelet inducers--adenosine diphosphate and/or epinephrine. We present 9 kindreds with SPS familial occurrence.
Material and methods: Familial trait of SPS was looked up in the database of the National Center of Hemostasis and Thrombosis. Families with at least 3 SPS-positive members were studied, described, and presented.
Results: In the group of 1093 symptomatic patients, SPS was confirmed in 240 cases. Familial occurrence with at least 3 SPS-positive relatives was found in 9 cases.
Conclusion: The exact pathogenesis of SPS is not sufficiently explained. Our findings seem to support the idea that SPS might have an autosomal dominant hereditary fashion.
Keywords: adenosine diphosphate; aggregometry; epinephrine; kindreds; sticky platelet syndrome.