Glanzmann thrombasthenia

Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a rare inherited blood disorder where platelets—the cells responsible for blood clotting—lack a key protein called glycoprotein IIb/IIIa. This protein helps platelets stick together to form blood clots and stop bleeding. Without it, individuals tend to experience frequent, prolonged bleeding episodes, such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, and excessive bleeding after injuries or surgeries. Though bleeding can be more difficult to control, this condition does not affect the production of platelets, only their ability to clump together effectively. Treatment focuses on managing bleeding episodes and may include medications or blood products.