DIAGNOSIS
People with giant platelet syndrome are diagnosed after prolonged bleeding incidents. For children and adults, it can be diagnosed after excessive bleeding or tooth extractions. In some cases, a laboratory diagnosis is needed.
Giant platelet syndrome are classified through their causes, such as:
- Auto-immune disorders such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura characterized by low platelet count and high mean platelet volume
- Glycoprotein abnormalities such as Bernard–Soulier syndrome and velocardiofacial syndrome
- Alpha granules defect, such as gray platelet syndrome
- Calpain defect, including Montreal platelet syndrome
Moreover, they can be characterized by:
- Abnormal neutrophil inclusions, such as May–Hegglin anomaly and Sebastian syndrome;
- Systemic manifestations such as Hereditary macrothrombocytopenia with hearing loss, Fechtner syndrome, and Epstein syndrome; and
- Harris platelet syndrome
Furthermore, giant platelet disorders may have no particular abnormalities, including Mediterranean macrothrombocytopenia.
TREATMENT
Patients with giant platelet syndrome have no medication treatments. However, this disorder may be controlled through:
- Handling the symptoms with the patient
- Managing the intense bleeding incidents, such as desmopressin acetate (DDAVP) or antifibrinolytic agents, treats minor bleeding
For people with the severe disorder, they should avoid antiplatelet medications and contact sports. Also, in some cases, people suffering from this disorder may need blood transfusions in treating bleeding or surgery.
