Which condition is a quantitative platelet disorder?

Which condition is a quantitative platelet disorder?

• A. May-Hegglin Anomaly
• B. von Willebrand Disease
• C. Glanzmann Thrombasthenia
• D. DIC

Answer: (A)

A quantitative platelet disorder is one where the number of platelets is reduced, meaning thrombocytopenia or abnormal platelet production. May-Hegglin anomaly fits this because it features a low platelet count along with enlarged platelets (macrothrombocytes). The core issue is how many platelets are available to form a plug, not just how well each platelet functions. In contrast, the other conditions primarily affect platelet function rather than number. von Willebrand disease reduces the ability of platelets to adhere to sites of injury due to deficient or defective von Willebrand factor, but the platelet count is usually normal. Glanzmann thrombasthenia involves a defect in the GPIIb/IIIa receptor, leading to impaired aggregation with normal platelet counts. DIC can cause low platelets due to consumption, but it is a systemic coagulation problem rather than a primary platelet-number disorder.

A quantitative platelet disorder is one where the number of platelets is reduced, meaning thrombocytopenia or abnormal platelet production. May-Hegglin anomaly fits this because it features a low platelet count along with enlarged platelets (macrothrombocytes). The core issue is how many platelets are available to form a plug, not just how well each platelet functions.

In contrast, the other conditions primarily affect platelet function rather than number. von Willebrand disease reduces the ability of platelets to adhere to sites of injury due to deficient or defective von Willebrand factor, but the platelet count is usually normal. Glanzmann thrombasthenia involves a defect in the GPIIb/IIIa receptor, leading to impaired aggregation with normal platelet counts. DIC can cause low platelets due to consumption, but it is a systemic coagulation problem rather than a primary platelet-number disorder.