Low platelets (thrombocytopenia)

Description Platelets are cells...

Description

Platelets are cells that help the body form blood clots. Low platelets, also called thrombocytopenia, can occur from insufficient production of platelets, or from increased destruction. Some causes are: immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia, drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), an enlarged spleen, aplastic anemia, cancer and infection.

Symptoms

Easy bruising, easy bleeding, reddish-purple spots on skin (petechiae).

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Tests will be performed to determine the cause of the low platelets. A bone marrow biopsy may be recommended.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Urinalysis (UA)

Other Specific Tests: Platelet associated antibodies, Bone marrow biopsy, PT, PTT (Partial Thromboplastin Time) (Partial Thromboplastin Time)

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of the low platelets. While evaluation and treatment are ongoing, transfusion of platelets may be helpful for severe bleeding. Unfortunately, transfused platelets do not last long in the body and are only a temporary treatment. Corticosteroids, other immune suppressant medications, plasma exchange (a blood filtering procedure) and/or replacement of proteins involved in the clotting system may be recommended.