Thrombocytopenia (patient information)
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Thrombocytopenia |
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Thrombocytopenia On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Thrombocytopenia is any disorder in which there is an abnormally low amount of platelets. Platelets are parts of the blood that help blood to clot. This condition is sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding.
What are the symptoms of Thrombocytopenia?
You may not have any symptoms. Or you may have general symptoms, such as:
- Bleeding in the mouth and gums
- Bruising
- Nosebleeds
- Rash (pinpoint red spots called petechia)
Other symptoms depend on the cause.
What causes Thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia is often divided into three major causes of low platelets:
- Not enough platelets are made in the bone marrow
- Increased breakdown of platelets in the bloodstream
- Increased breakdown of platelets in the spleen or liver
Your bone marrow may not make enough platelets if you have any of the following conditions:
- Aplastic anemia
- Cancer in the bone marrow, such as leukemia
- Cirrhosis (liver scarring)
- Folate deficiency
- Infections in the bone marrow (very rare)
- Myelodysplastic syndrome (bone marrow does not make enough blood cells or makes defective cells)
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
Use of certain drugs may also lead to a low production of platelets in the bone marrow. The most common example is chemotherapy treatment.
The following health conditions cause increased breakdown of platelets:
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
- Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia
- Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia
- Hypersplenism (swollen spleen)
- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
When to seek urgent medical care?
Call your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Diagnosis
Your health care provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your medical history and symptoms. The following tests may be done:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Blood clotting studies (PTT and PT)
Other tests that may help diagnose this condition include bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, a transfusion of platelets may be required to stop or prevent bleeding.
Where to find medical care for Thrombocytopenia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Thrombocytopenia
What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The outcome depends on the disorder causing the low platelet counts.
Possible complications
Severe bleeding (hemorrhage) is the main complication. Bleeding may occur in the brain or gastrointestinal tract.
Prevention
Prevention depends on the specific cause.