Signs of Thrombocytopenia (Low platelets)

Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelets)

Description

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 (petichiae and purpura) and bleeding from almost any organ. The disorder can be life threatening. There are many types and causes of throbocytopenia with the most common being: idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), chemotherapy, heparin therapy, alcohol abuse, myeloid dysplasia and other bone marrow diseases, infections, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.

Symptoms

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

Tests

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.

Standard Workup

CBC
Chem 12

Treatment

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: transfusions, intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapharesis, plasma exchange, steroids, chemotherapy, 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.