Causes and risk factors
Glanzmann’s disease is a genetic defect. It is an inherited disorder. The disease is caused due to lack of a protein called glycoprotein IIb/IIIa which is present on surface of platelets. It is useful in the process of platelet aggregation and thus blood clotting.
Clinical presentation
Patient complains of frequent and severe bleeding. Excessive bleeding from minor injuries. There are bleeding gums and easy bruising. Women or girls experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Routine blood test, platelet aggregation tests, bleeding time, clotting time, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time are done.
Treatment
No specific treatment is available. Treatment involves blood transfusion, especially platelet transfusion. Avoiding certain medications like blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs will contribute further to the treatment. Symptomatic treatment such as anti-hemorrhagic medications in case of severe bleeding episodes, OC pills in case of menorrhagia are considered.
