Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia

What is Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia is an inherited bleeding disorder where the blood is unable to clot properly. It is marked by prolonged bleeding at birth. It effects both men and women and about one in one million people globally.

What are the symptoms of Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia symptoms are:

Bleeding from the nose and gums
Heavy periods or bleeding after child birth (women)
Red or purple spots on the skin
Profuse bleeding after surgery or dental work
Rarely blood in the urine

What causes Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann’s thrombasathenia is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, meaning both parents must carry the gene to pass it on to the child.

How is Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia diagnosed?

A Glanzmann’s thrombastenia diagnosis is reached by the following tests, likely administered by a hemophilia specialist:

The bleeding time test (bleeding takes longer than normal to stop)
The closure time test
Platelet aggregation test
Flow cytometry
Genetic testing

What treatments are available for Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia?

Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia treatments include:

Blood platelet transfusions
NovoSeven RT by Novo Nordisk
Hormonal therapy
Genetic counseling
Iron replacement
Antifibrinolytic drugs
Recombinant factor VIIa
Fibrin sealants

Where can I find out more about Glanzmann’s thrombasthenia?