Thrombocytopenia is the condition when a low platelet count in the patient’s blood is observed. Platelets are blood cells that help to stop bleeding by coagulating and making plugs in case of blood vessel damage.
Thrombocytopenia can occur as the result of bone marrow involvement in case of problems with the immune system. It can also be a side effect of taking of certain medications.
Thrombocytopenia can occur in mild form and cause some signs or symptoms. In rare cases, the number of platelets can be so low that a dangerous internal bleeding occurs.
Thrombocytopenia means that less than 150 000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood were revealed. As long as every platelet lives of about 10 days, our body constantly renews the platelet stores, producing new platelets in the bone marrow.
Thrombocytopenia often has a genetic origin; it can be provoked by a number of reasons such as administration of certain medications or chronic diseases. The causes of platelet count drop can be as follows: increased level of platelet uptake in the spleen, platelet production drop or increased platelet destruction.
Spleen is a small organ of the size of a fist located just below the chest, at the left of the abdomen. As a rule, spleen functioning is aimed at infection control and filtration of undesirable substances in blood. Enlarged spleen can capture too many platelets that results in reduction of the number of platelets in the blood flow.
Platelets are generated in the bone marrow. Factors that can reduce the generation of platelets include:
Certain conditions can make the body to consume or destroy platelets faster than it can produce them, which results in a shortage of platelets in the blood. Examples of such conditions are as follows:
Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when the platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter.
- Blood test. A complete blood count measures the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a sample.
- Physical examination including complete medical history. A doctor will look for signs of bleeding under the skin and examine the abdomen to see if the spleen is enlarged. He will also ask about the history of medical conditions of the patient, as well as the types of medications and supplements he/she has recently taken.
A doctor may suggest other tests and procedures to determine the cause of the condition, depending on the signs and symptoms.
Thrombocytopenia can last for days or years. People with mild thrombocytopenia may not need a treatment. For people who need a treatment for thrombocytopenia, it depends on the cause and severity of the condition.
If thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying medical condition or a medication, addressing the cause may result in healing. For example, if a patient has heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, a doctor may prescribe another blood thinner.
You will find the information on thrombocytopenia on our website: what it is, who can diagnose it, and what is the process of treatment. You can ask questions to specialists by phone, which number is indicated on the portal, or by making an appointment.
Article author - Tatiana Anikieieva, M.D.
Publication date: 20.05.2020
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