Glanzmann disease: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Glanzmann disease is a rare disorder of blood platelets. Platelets are a part of the blood that aids in blood clotting.

T Causes
P Glanzmann disease is caused by the lack of a protein that is normally on the surface of platelets. This substance is needed for platelets to clump together to form blood clots.
P The condition is congenital, which means it is present from birth. There are several genetic abnormalities that can cause the condition.

T Symptoms
P Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Heavy bleeding during and after surgery
- Bleeding gums
- Bruising easily
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Nosebleeds that do not stop easily
- Prolonged bleeding with minor injuries

T Exams and Tests
P The following tests may be used to diagnose this condition:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Bleeding time
- Platelet aggregation tests
- Prothrombin time (PT) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)
P Other tests may be needed. Family members may also need to be tested.

T Treatment
P There is no specific treatment for this disorder. Platelet transfusions may be given to people who are having severe bleeding.

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P Glanzmann disease is a lifelong condition, and there is no cure. You should take special steps to try to avoid bleeding if you have this condition.
P Anyone with a bleeding disorder should avoid taking aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen. These drugs can prolong bleeding times by preventing platelets from clumping.

T Possible Complications
P Complications may include:
- Severe bleeding
- Iron deficiency anemia in menstruating women due to abnormally heavy bleeding

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your health care provider if:
- You have bleeding or bruising of an unknown cause
- Bleeding does not stop after usual treatments

T Prevention
P Glanzmann disease is an inherited condition. There is no known prevention.

T Alternative Names
P Glanzmann's diasease; Thrombasthenia - Glanzmann

T References
P Macartney CA, Paredes N, Chan AKC. Disorders of coagulation in the neonate. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr, Silberstein LE, Heslop HE, Weitz JI, Anastasi J, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2013:chap 152.
P Nichols WL. Von Willebrand disease and hemorrhagic abnormalities of platelet and vascular function. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 173.

T Review Date 2/1/2017
P Updated by: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

