Thrombopenia

Thrombopenia
Blood smear showing low platelet count
Synonyms	Thrombocytopenia
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Easy or excessive bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, spontaneous bleeding from gums or nose, blood in urine or stools
Complications	Severe bleeding, internal bleeding
Onset	Any age
Duration	Varies
Types	N/A
Causes	Decreased platelet production, increased platelet destruction, sequestration in the spleen
Risks	Autoimmune diseases, infections, certain medications, cancers
Diagnosis	Complete blood count, blood smear, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Treat underlying cause, platelet transfusions, medications
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Thrombopenia, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a condition characterized by an abnormally low level of platelets in the blood. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small blood cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Thrombopenia is typically defined as a platelet count below 150,000 per microliter.

Causes

Thrombopenia can result from various factors, which can be broadly categorized into three main mechanisms:

Decreased Platelet Production

- Bone marrow disorders such as aplastic anemia, leukemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes can impair the production of platelets. - Certain viral infections, including HIV, hepatitis C, and Epstein-Barr virus, can affect bone marrow function. - Nutritional deficiencies, particularly of vitamin B12 and folate, can lead to reduced platelet production.

Increased Platelet Destruction

- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. - Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is a condition that leads to widespread clotting and subsequent platelet consumption. - Certain medications, such as heparin, can induce thrombocytopenia through immune-mediated mechanisms.

Sequestration in the Spleen

- Conditions that cause splenomegaly, or enlargement of the spleen, can lead to increased sequestration and destruction of platelets within the spleen.

Symptoms

The symptoms of thrombopenia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include: - Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) - Prolonged bleeding from cuts - Spontaneous bleeding from gums or nose (epistaxis) - Blood in urine (hematuria) or stools (melena) - Petechiae, which are small red or purple spots on the skin

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of thrombopenia typically involves: - A complete blood count (CBC) to measure the number of platelets in the blood. - A blood smear to examine the appearance of platelets and other blood cells. - A bone marrow biopsy may be performed to assess bone marrow function and rule out other hematological disorders.

Treatment

Treatment of thrombopenia depends on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Options may include: - Addressing the underlying cause, such as treating infections or discontinuing causative medications. - Platelet transfusions may be necessary in cases of severe thrombopenia or active bleeding. - Medications such as corticosteroids or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be used in cases of immune-mediated thrombocytopenia.

Prognosis

The prognosis for individuals with thrombopenia varies widely depending on the underlying cause and the effectiveness of treatment. Some cases resolve with treatment of the underlying condition, while others may require ongoing management.

Also see

- Immune thrombocytopenic purpura - Aplastic anemia - Disseminated intravascular coagulation - Complete blood count - Bone marrow biopsy