Letters to the editor

RUNX1-FPD MM is a rare familial platelet disorder (FPD) inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. It is caused by a mutation to the germline runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) and is associated with myeloid malignancy (MM). Patients with RUNX1-FPD MM experience abnormal platelet function, and blood investigations often reveal mild to moderate thrombocytopenia; however, the platelet count may be within normal limits (150–450 x 10⁹/L).¹

Almost all patients with RUNX1-FPD MM experience prolonged bleeding and this may be their first clinical manifestation of the disorder. This is of significance to the GDP because these patients may complain of excessive bleeding following oral hygiene measures. Furthermore, after an extraction there may be bleeding that is not controlled through local measures of placing a suture and a haemostatic agent in the socket. In this case, an urgent referral should be made to the local oral and maxillofacial or accident and emergency unit.