Gülhan ÜNAL, Furkan OZGUR
Medical Science and Discovery - 2026;13(7):177-182
Objective: Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a rare inherited platelet function disorder characterized by impaired platelet aggregation and mucocutaneous bleeding. Gingival bleeding is frequently observed in affected patients and is often attributed solely to the underlying hematologic disorder. However, local inflammatory factors may significantly influence bleeding severity. Case presentation: A patient with Glanzmann thrombasthenia presented with severe gingival inflammation and persistent gingival bleeding. Baseline periodontal examination revealed a plaque index of 1.9, a gingival index of 2.5, and bleeding on probing at 70% of sites. Prior to periodontal treatment, 6000 µg of recombinant factor VIIa was administered prophylactically. Treatment followed World Federation of Hemophilia recommendations. Non-surgical periodontal therapy including Scaling and Root Planing was performed. Despite administration of an additional 4000 µg factor VIIa post-procedure, severe gingival bleeding occurred. The patient's hemoglobin level decreased from 9 g/dL to 3.3 g/dL and hospitalization was required for three days. During hospitalization the patient received 7 units of platelet and plasma transfusion and 6 units of packed red blood cells. After recovery and strict plaque control, periodontal parameters improved significantly, with plaque index decreasing to 0.4, gingival index to 0.5, and bleeding on probing to 8%. Conclusion: This case suggests that periodontal inflammation may exacerbate gingival bleeding in patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia and may reduce the effectiveness of hemostatic therapy. Control of periodontal inflammation may therefore play an important role in the management of gingival bleeding in patients with platelet function disorders.
