A new variant of Bernard-Soulier syndrome characterized by dysfunctional glycoprotein (GP) Ib and severely reduced amounts of GPIX and GPV

We describe a new variant of Bernard-Soulier syndrome characterized by almost normal amounts of GPIb and severely reduced GPIX and GPV. Despite surface expression, GPIbα failed to support ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination and to bind two conformation-dependent monoclonal antibodies, suggesting a qualitative defect. Sequence analysis of the gene coding for GPIX revealed a T-to-C substitution at base 1811, leading to a Leu40Pro conversion, whereas no defects were found in the coding region of the GPIbα gene. Allele-specific restriction enzyme analysis showed that the propositus and one of his sisters, both with severe bleeding diathesis, were homozygous for the GPIX mutation; the members of the family with mild bleeding diathesis and/or giant platelets in the peripheral blood were heterozygous, whereas the healthy ones were homozygous for the normal allele.

Infusion of 1-desamino-8- d-arginine vasopressin normalized bleeding time in the two severely affected patients, although it did not modify ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination or membrane expression of GPIbα, GPIX, GPIIb–IIIa and GMP-140. Moreover, in one patient, normalization of bleeding time and rise of von Willebrand factor plasma concentration did not seem to be directly related.