Thrombocytopenia is a condition where there is a low platelet count, which can cause abnormal bleeding. It can be caused by disease, infection, or medications and can be diagnosed through routine blood tests. Treatment depends on the cause and may require platelet transfusions.
Thrombocytopenia is the medical term that refers to a low or decreased platelet count. Platelets are blood cells that allow blood to clot and prevent the loss of red blood cells, which carry oxygen through the body. Even in healthy bodies, platelets are lost during normal bodily functions, but are replaced with new platelets made in the bone marrow. Thrombocytopenia occurs when platelets are not replaced at the same rate as they are lost or when there is abnormal destruction of platelets.
Thrombocytopenia can cause abnormal bleeding, especially from the nose and into the stomach and intestines. Signs of thrombocytopenia may include nosebleeds, unexplained vaginal bleeding, or vomiting blood. Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed through routine blood tests and a complete blood count, which also measures red and white blood cell levels. In some cases, it may also be necessary to test the bone marrow. During a physical exam, the spleen may also be checked for enlargement.
Causes of thrombocytopenia can include disease, infection, and medications. Thrombocytopenia can originate in the bone marrow, in the bloodstream, or outside the bloodstream. Thrombocytopenia is most often the result of chemotherapy and radiation and occasionally affects patients taking heparin. A low platelet count does not necessarily indicate a disease and is sometimes secondary to another condition.
When the bone marrow produces platelets at a normal rate, but the platelet count is low in the bloodstream, this is often the result of an infection that is destroying platelets faster than they are being produced. This condition is known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).
Thrombocytopenia caused by decreased production in the bone marrow is more severe than platelet destruction as in ITP. However, any signs of thrombocytopenia, including unexplained bleeding from the nose, gums, or lower legs, or blood in vomit or stools, should be brought to the attention of a doctor. People with thrombocytopenia are at high risk of abnormal or serious bleeding, including internal bleeding. Treatment for thrombocytopenia depends on the cause, but may include steroids or other drugs and may require platelet transfusions.
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