Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is an abnormality of the platelets. It is an extremely rare disorder of the blood, in which the platelets lack glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. Hence, no fibrinogen bridging can occur, and bleeding time is significantly prolonged.

Causes

Glanzmann’s disease is caused by lack of a protein required for platelets to clump together (aggregate) normally.

The condition is congenital, which means it is present from birth.

Symptoms

• Abnormal menstrual periods
• Bleeding during and after surgery
• Bleeding gums
• Easy bruising
• Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
• Prolonged bleeding with small injuries. 

Diagnosis

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)

Treatment:

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

Possible complications 

• Severe bleeding
• Iron deficiency anemia in menstruating women