Bernard–Soulier syndrome

Bernard-Soulier syndrome

Bernard-Soulier syndrome has an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance (rarely autosomal dominant)[1]
Classification and external resources
Specialty hematology
ICD-10 D69.1
ICD-9-CM 287.1
OMIM 231200
DiseasesDB 1356
eMedicine ped/230
MeSH D001606

Bernard–Soulier syndrome (BSS), also called hemorrhagiparous thrombocytic dystrophy,[2] is a rare autosomal recessive coagulopathy (bleeding disorder) that causes a deficiency of glycoprotein Ib (GpIb), the receptor for von Willebrand factor[3] The incidence of BSS is estimated to be less than 1 case per million persons, based on cases reported from Europe, North America, and Japan. BSS is a giant platelet disorder, meaning that it is characterized by abnormally large platelets[4]

Signs and symptoms

Bernard–Soulier syndrome often presents as a bleeding disorder with symptoms of:[5]

  • Perioperative (and postoperative bleeding)
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bruising
  • Epistaxis (nosebleeds)
  • Abnormal bleeding (from small injuries)
  • Unusual menstrual periods


In regards to mechanism, there are three genes:GP1BA, GP1BB and GP9 that are involved (due to mutations)[6] These mutations do not allow GPIb-IX-V complex to bind to the von Willebrand factor, which in turn is what would help platelets adhere to a site of injury which eventually helps stop bleeding.[1]


Megakaryocytes (arrows)

In terms of diagnosis Bernard–Soulier syndrome is characterized by prolonged bleeding time, thrombocytopenia, increased megakaryocytes, and enlarged platelets, Bernard–Soulier syndrome is associated with quantitative or qualitative defects of the platelet glycoprotein complex GPIb/V/IX. The degree of thrombocytopenia may be estimated incorrectly, due to the possibility that when the platelet count is performed with automatic counters, giant platelets may reach the size of red blood cells. The large platelets and low platelet count in BSS are seemingly due to the absence of GPIbα and the filamin A binding site that links the GPIb-IX-V complex to the platelet membrane skeleton.[3][7]

Differential diagnosis

The differential diagnosis for Bernard–Soulier syndrome includes both Glanzmann thrombasthenia and pediatric Von Willebrand disease.[3] BSS platelets do not aggregate to ristocetin, and this defect is not corrected by the addition of normal plasma, distinguishing it from von Willebrand disease.[8]


Tranexamic acid

In terms of treatment/management, bleeding events can be controlled by platelet transfusion. Most heterozygotes, with few exceptions, do not have a bleeding diathesis.BSS presents as a bleeding disorder due to the inability of platelets to bind and aggregate at sites of vascular endothelial injury.[8] In the event of an individual with mucosal bleeding tranexamic acid can be given.[3]

The affected individual may need to avoid contact sports and medications such as aspirin, which can increase the possibility of bleeding.A potential complication is the possibility of the individual producing antiplatelet antibodies [9]


The frequency of Bernard–Soulier syndrome is approximately 1 in 1,000,000 people.[10] The syndrome, identified in the year 1948, is named after Dr. Jean Bernard and Dr. Jean Pierre Soulier.[11]

See also


  1. 1 2 Reference, Genetics Home. "Bernard-Soulier syndrome". Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  2. Lanza F (2006). "Bernard-Soulier syndrome (hemorrhagiparous thrombocytic dystrophy)". Orphanet J Rare Dis. 16 (1): 46. doi:10.1186/1750-1172-1-46. PMC 1660532Freely accessible. PMID 17109744.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "Bernard-Soulier Syndrome: Practice Essentials, Background, Pathophysiology and Etiology".
  4. Mhawech, Paulette; Saleem, Abdus (2000). "Inherited Giant Platelet Disorders". American Journal of Clinical Pathology. 113 (2): 176–190. doi:10.1309/FC4H-LM5V-VCW8-DNJU. Retrieved 8 October 2016.
  5. Dugdale, David. "Congenital platelet function defects". NIH. Retrieved 13 October 2012.
  6. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) GIANT PLATELET SYNDROME -231200
  7. Kanaji, T; Russell, S; Ware, J (Sep 15, 2002). "Amelioration of the macrothrombocytopenia associated with the murine Bernard-Soulier syndrome.". Blood. 100 (6): 2102–7. doi:10.1182/blood-2002-03-0997. PMID 12200373.
  8. 1 2 Pham A, Wang J (2007). "Bernard-Soulier syndrome: an inherited platelet disorder". Arch. Pathol. Lab. Med. 131 (12): 1834–6. doi:10.1043/1543-2165(2007)131[1834:BSAIPD]2.0.CO;2. PMID 18081445. (subscription required (help)).
  9. "Bernard-Soulier Syndrome; BSS & giant platelet information. Patient | Patient". Patient. Retrieved 17 July 2016.
  10. RESERVED, INSERM US14 -- ALL RIGHTS. "Orphanet: Bernard Soulier syndrome". Retrieved 2016-07-17.
  11. Richmond, Caroline (10 June 2006). "Jean Bernard". BMJ : British Medical Journal. 332 (7554): 1395. ISSN 0959-8138. PMC 1476743Freely accessible.

Further reading
