Fever with thrombocytopenia can indicate a bacterial or viral infection, causing red spots and unexplained bruising. Hemolytic uremic syndrome can cause bleeding gums and nose, blood in stools, and heavy periods. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura affects the central nervous system and can lead to clots in the brain, irregular heart rhythm, kidney damage, and stomach pain. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia with fever is rare and linked to viral infection. Platelets are necessary for clotting, and thrombocytopenia can be caused by medication, leukemia, anemia, and autoimmune diseases.
When fever develops with thrombocytopenia, it usually indicates that a bacterial or viral infection is present. Three forms of fever with thrombocytopenia result from a lack of platelets in the blood which could cause red blood cells to die. Uncontrolled bleeding may develop, which is typically treated with steroids and blood transfusions.
Fever with thrombocytopenia classified as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) occurs most commonly in infants, young children, pregnant women, and mothers who have recently given birth. This disorder commonly begins as an intestinal infection that causes a sudden drop in the number of platelets in the blood. Usually, the first sign of this form of thrombocytopenia with fever appears as red spots called petechiae on the legs and unexplained bruising.
Hemolytic uraemic syndrome might also cause bleeding gums and nose and produce blood in stools. In menstruating women, periods may become heavy and continue beyond normal menstrual cycles. Jaundice could arise, along with blood pooling in the brain or intestines. Clot formation in the kidneys is the most common complication of fever with thrombocytopenia of this type. Symptoms typically become more severe as the platelet count continues to drop, which could be treated with dialysis and steroids.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura (TTP) usually affects the central nervous system in adults, with symptoms appearing suddenly. Small blood clots may form throughout the body as platelets become depleted. Clots traveling to the brain commonly occur from this form of fever with thrombocytopenia, leading to confusion, seizures, coma or death. Heavy bleeding is not commonly present in this form of thrombocytopenia with fever.
TTP could also lead to an irregular heart rhythm, kidney damage, and stomach pain. This disorder could result from a genetic mutation that inhibits the normal functioning of antibodies or from a bacterial infection. Up to 90% of patients with this form of the disease die without several blood transfusions. Only about half of all patients diagnosed with TTP show signs of fever.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenia (ITP) with fever occurs rarely in adults and is linked to viral infection of unknown cause. Acute attacks of this disorder can appear in children and resolve without treatment. When it develops in adults, it usually represents a chronic infection that gets worse over time. Adults with thrombocytopenia with fever may respond to steroid treatment or blood transfusions.
Platelets in the blood cause cells to stick together as a clotting mechanism. If the bone marrow produces too few platelets or platelets are used up faster than they are produced, thrombocytopenia could develop. This ailment could also be triggered by certain medications, leukemia, anemia, and autoimmune diseases.
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