Thrombocytopenia

Definition:

Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which the number of platelets (a type of blood cell) is abnormally low, sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Platelets are cells in the blood that help blood to clot. Thrombocytopenia refers to any disorder in which there are not enough platelets.

These include:

Thrombocytopenia can also be associated with cancers of the blood and with disorders that cause bone marrow dysfunction.

Symptoms:

Other symptoms may be present as well, depending on the cause of the condition. Mild thrombocytopenia can occur without symptoms.

Signs and tests:

CBC shows low platelets
bone marrow aspiration or biopsy may be normal or may show low megakaryocytes (platelet precursors) or an infiltrating disease.
PTT (coagulation studies) is normal
PT (coagulation studies) is normal
platelet associated antibodies may be present

Treatment:

Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, transfusion of platelets may be required to stop or prevent bleeding.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome depends on the disorder causing the low platelet counts.

Complications:

hemorrhage
GI bleeding (vomiting blood or blood in the stools)
intracranial hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained bleeding or bruising.

Prevention:

Prevention depends on the specific cause.

Review Date: 11/7/2002
Reviewed By: Ezra E. W. Cohen, M.D., Department of Medicine, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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