Which of the following is true regarding Glanzmann's thrombasthenia?

Which of the following is true regarding Glanzmann's thrombasthenia?

• A. It is caused by a deficiency in von Willebrand factor.
• B. It leads to ineffective aggregation of platelets.
• C. It is associated with increased platelet count.
• D. It features excessive fibrinolysis.

Answer: (B)

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex on platelets. This complex is crucial for platelet aggregation, as it allows platelets to bind to fibrinogen and each other, forming a stable blood clot. When a person has Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, the impaired aggregation of platelets leads to a bleeding tendency, as the platelets are unable to clump together effectively in response to vascular injury. This results in the hallmark symptoms of the disorder, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and excessive bleeding during surgical procedures. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this condition clarifies why the statement regarding ineffective aggregation of platelets is accurate. It emphasizes the disorder's pathophysiology and the resulting clinical implications, making it an essential point to grasp for anyone studying hematology.

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare inherited bleeding disorder characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex on platelets. This complex is crucial for platelet aggregation, as it allows platelets to bind to fibrinogen and each other, forming a stable blood clot.

When a person has Glanzmann's thrombasthenia, the impaired aggregation of platelets leads to a bleeding tendency, as the platelets are unable to clump together effectively in response to vascular injury. This results in the hallmark symptoms of the disorder, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, and excessive bleeding during surgical procedures.

Understanding the underlying mechanisms of this condition clarifies why the statement regarding ineffective aggregation of platelets is accurate. It emphasizes the disorder's pathophysiology and the resulting clinical implications, making it an essential point to grasp for anyone studying hematology.