What is the main therapy approach for Glanzmann's thrombasthenia?

The main therapeutic approach for Glanzmann's thrombasthenia involves platelet transfusion. This condition is characterized by a deficiency or dysfunction of the glycoprotein IIb/IIIa complex on platelets, which is essential for platelet aggregation and clot formation. Patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia experience bleeding episodes due to their platelets’ inability to effectively bind to fibrinogen, leading to impaired hemostasis.

Platelet transfusions provide functional platelets that can aggregate properly, thereby temporarily alleviating the bleeding risk. This approach is particularly useful during surgical procedures or in the case of significant bleeding episodes, as it directly addresses the deficiency in platelet function that is central to the disorder.

The other treatment choices do not effectively manage the underlying problem associated with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia. Anticoagulants are not appropriate since they could exacerbate bleeding. A bone marrow transplant is not a standard therapy for this condition due to the complexity and risks involved, and desmopressin, which is often used in other bleeding disorders like von Willebrand disease, would not provide benefit here, as it affects different aspects of hemostasis. Therefore, platelet transfusion remains the mainstay of therapy for managing