Glanzmann's thrombasthenia and pregnancy

Glanzmann's thrombasthenia is a rare congenital disorder of platelet function manifesting as defective primary haemostasis. Bleeding episodes often require platelet transfusions, and allo-immunization to donor platelets may occur. The problems of ensuring adequate haemostatic potential for delivery of an allo-immunized pregnant female with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia are presented (AU)

Splenic histiocytosis associated with thrombocytopenia

Two young Jamaican women of Chinese descent with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura were found to have lipid-laden histiocytes in their spleens; their condition has improved following splenectomy. The electron microscopic appearances of the spleens suggest that platelet destruction contributed to the accumulation of lipid (AU)