Stem Cell Transplantation in Glanzmann's Thrombasthenia: A Report of Two Adult Patients

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is an autosomal recessive bleeding disorder characterised by mucocutaneous bleeding. At molecular level, defect in platelet receptor glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa leads to defective platelet aggregation. Anti-fibrinolytic agents, platelet transfusions, and factor rVIIa are used for prophylaxis before invasive procedures and treatment of bleeding events. Allogeneic stem cell transplant is the only curative option. Here, we report cases of two adult male patients who underwent matched sibling donor stem cell transplantation for GT with recurrent bleeding requiring platelet and red cell transfusions. Both showed marked improvement in quality of life. To conclude, stem cell transplant is a viable treatment option for severe, difficult-to-control cases of GT.