Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

About Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

Not having enough blood platelets. Platelets are blood cells made in the bone marrow that help clot the blood. Patients with this disorder experience bleeding into the skin (petechiae and purpura) and bleeding from almost any organ. The disorder can be life threatening. There are many types and causes of thrombocytopenia, such as: immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), drug induced thrombocytopenia from chemotherapy or heparin therapy, alcohol abuse, myelodysplastic syndrome and other bone marrow diseases, and infections.

Symptoms

Bruising, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, pinpoint red spots on the skin (petechiae), red-blue patches on the skin (purpura), bleeding from the urine or stools, black stools (melena), cuts that have prolonged bleeding.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. Other tests to determine the cause of the low platelets will be done. A bone marrow biopsy may be done.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP).

Conventional treatment summary

Therapy depends on the cause of the condition, the severity of the deficiency, and if there is any associated on-going bleeding. Treatment may include: platelet transfusions, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, plasma exchange, corticosteroids, and/or surgical removal of the spleen. For additional information contact the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute Health Information Center at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov or call (301)592-8573.

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Family Practice · Hematology and Oncology · Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Thrombocytopenia (low platelets).