The Role of ISTH Bleeding Assessment Tool in Diagnosing Patients with Suspected Bleeding Disorders

Abstract

Objective: To compare the ISTH-BAT score with the results of light transmission aggregometry in patients suspected of having bleeding disorders, particularly those with platelet function disorders.

Methodology: This study was conducted at the Chughtai Institute of Pathology, Lahore, from January 2022 to March 2023. A total of 183 patients with suspected bleeding disorders, aged between 3 months and 18 years, were enrolled. The ISTH-BAT questionnaire was administered, and scores were calculated and compared with the results of light transmission aggregometry. Data were analyzed using SPSS-23, with the p-value calculated using the chi-square test.

Results: The study comprised 183 patients, including 97 (53%) males and 86 (47%) females, with ages ranging from 1 to 16 years and a median age of 6 years. The BAT score was calculated for each patient using the ISTH questionnaire. A score below 3 was considered normal, while a score above 3 was considered abnormal. Among the patients, 73 (39.8%) had a normal ISTH-BAT score, while 110 (60.1%) had an abnormal score. Of the 110 patients with an abnormal ISTH-BAT score, 90 (81.8%) were diagnosed with a bleeding disorder, while 20 (18.1%) did not have a bleeding disorder.

Conclusion: In conclusion, the ISTH-BAT score is an effective tool for assessing patients with suspected bleeding disorders, particularly for those with suspected platelet function disorders, which can be rare and challenging to diagnose.