Thrombocytopenia (blood disorder)

[Guest guest]

I thought I would post this, because I am having difficulty with

thrombocytopenia, caused by low platelets. I am sure some of you had a problem

with it at some time or another. I welcome your input.

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Thrombocytopenia is any disorder in which there is an abnormally low amount of

platelets. Platelets are parts of the blood that help blood to clot. This

condition is sometimes associated with abnormal bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia is often divided into three major causes of low platelets:

1.. Low production of platelets in the bone marrow

2.. Increased breakdown of platelets in the bloodstream (called intravascular)

3.. Increased breakdown of platelets in the spleen or liver (called

extravascular)

Disorders that involve low production in the bone marrow include:

a.. Aplastic anemia

b.. Cancer in the bone marrow

c.. Cirrhosis (chronic liver disease)

d.. Folate deficiency

e.. Infections in the bone marrow (very rare)

f.. Myelodysplasia

g.. Vitamin B12 deficiency

Use of certain drugs may also lead to a low production of platelets in the bone

marrow. The most common example is chemotherapy treatment. Disorders that

involve the breakdown of platelets include:

a.. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

b.. Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia

c.. Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia

d.. Hypersplenism

e.. Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

f.. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

These are the symptoms:

a.. Bruising, Nosebleeds or bleeding in the mouth and gums, and Rash (pinpoint

red spots called petechi). Tests that may be performed are

b.. Complete blood count (CBC) shows low number of platelets.

c.. Blood clotting studies (PTT and PT) are normal.

d.. Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy

e.. Platelet associated antibodies

Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, a transfusion of

platelets may be required to stop or prevent bleeding. The outcome depends on

the disorder causing the low platelet counts.

Severe bleeding (hemorrhage) is the main complication. This can include:

a.. Bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)

b.. Gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood or blood in the stools)

c.. Nosebleeds

http://tinyurl.com/dbeax

FYI,

Lottie Duthu