If a patient has a mutation inhibiting von Willebrand factor (vWF) secretion from endothelial cells, which consequence is most likely regarding platelet function?

💡 Explanation

vWF mediates initial platelet adhesion and aggregation at injury sites, because it acts as a bridge between platelets and collagen in the subendothelium. Therefore, a deficiency impairs platelet aggregation, rather than enhancing plug formation or directly affecting fibrinogen receptor expression or thromboxane A2 production.

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