OverviewWhat is thrombocytopenia?Thrombocytopenia (THROM-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-ne-ah) occurs when your blood platelet count is low. Platelets are also called thrombocytes. This type of blood cell clumps together to form blood clots to help stop bleeding at the site of a cut or wound. Another name for a blood clot is thrombus. Show
Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue inside bones that makes all blood cells including platelets. People who have thrombocytopenia don’t have enough platelets to form a blood clot. If you get a cut or other injury, you may bleed too much and the bleeding can be hard to stop. Who might get thrombocytopenia?Thrombocytopenia can affect people of all ages, races and genders. For unknown reasons, approximately 5% of pregnant women develop mild thrombocytopenia right before childbirth. What are the types of thrombocytopenia?The three main classes of thrombocytopenia are:
How common is thrombocytopenia?It’s unknown how many people have thrombocytopenia. Many people have mild symptoms. They might not even know they have the condition. The autoimmune form of thrombocytopenia, immune thrombocytopenic purpura or ITP, affects approximately three to four out of every 100,000 adults and children. Symptoms and CausesWhat causes thrombocytopenia?In rare instances, thrombocytopenia is inherited, or passed from parent to child. More commonly, certain disorders, conditions and medications cause a low platelet count. These include:
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?Some people with mild cases of thrombocytopenia don’t have symptoms. Often, one of the first signs is a cut or nosebleed that won’t stop bleeding. Other signs of low platelet count include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is thrombocytopenia diagnosed?If you have bleeding that’s difficult to stop or other signs of thrombocytopenia, your healthcare provider may do the following:
If your platelet count is low, your provider may order more tests to find the cause, such as:
Management and TreatmentHow is thrombocytopenia managed or treated?You might not need treatment if a low platelet count isn’t causing significant problems. Often, healthcare providers can improve platelet counts by treating the underlying cause. This approach may involve changing your medications. Other treatments include:
What are the complications of thrombocytopenia?People with severe thrombocytopenia are at risk for significant internal and external blood loss, or hemorrhage. Internal bleeding into the digestive tract or brain (intercranial hemorrhage) can be life-threatening. Having a splenectomy makes you more susceptible to infections. Your spleen is part of your immune system. It helps your body fight off germs. For this reason, patients who have to have their spleen remove are given several vaccinations to help prevent infection. PreventionHow can I prevent thrombocytopenia?If you’re at risk for thrombocytopenia, these steps may help prevent it:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat is the prognosis (outlook) for people with thrombocytopenia?A low platelet count increases your risk of hemorrhage or severe bleeding. Excessive bleeding — whether internal or external — can be life-threatening. Many people with thrombocytopenia have mild to moderate symptoms. Platelet levels often go up when you treat the underlying cause or change medications. Living WithWhen should I call my healthcare provider?You should call your healthcare provider if you experience:
What questions should I ask my healthcare provider?You may want to ask your healthcare provider:
A note from Cleveland Clinic If you have conditions that increase your risk for thrombocytopenia, it’s important to take precautions to protect your health. A low platelet count can put you at risk for excessive bleeding and bruising. Your healthcare provider can explain what’s causing the low platelet count and discuss treatment options. If your condition is severe, you may need to avoid activities that increase your risk of injury and bleeding. Which assessment findings indicate that a patient may be experiencing thrombotic thrombocytopenia purpura?Complete blood count (CBC) findings in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) are usually as follows: Total white blood cell count is normal or slightly elevated. Hemoglobin concentration is moderately depressed at 8-9 g/dL. Platelet count generally ranges from 20,000-50,000/μL.
What are the signs and symptoms of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?What are the symptoms?. Petechiae, which are small, flat red spots under the skin caused by blood leaking from blood vessels.. Purpura, which is bleeding in your skin that can cause red, purple, or brownish- yellow spots.. Paleness or jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes). Extreme tiredness.. A fever.. Which patient is most likely to experience thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura?Two-thirds of individuals with iTTP cases are women. It usually affects people between 20 to 50 years of age but people of any age may be affected. TTP is occasionally associated with pregnancy and collagen-vascular diseases (a group of diseases affecting connective tissue).
How is thrombocytopenic purpura detected?Diagnostic Procedures for ITP
Includes a special blood test called an "anti-platelet antibody test." Careful review of medications. Bone marrow aspiration: This test examines the platelet production and can rule out any abnormal cells the marrow may be producing that could lower platelet counts.
|