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.
Low platelet count - thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is often divided into 3 major causes of low platelets:
Your bone marrow may not make enough platelets if you have any of the following conditions:
Use of certain drugs may also lead to a low production of platelets in the bone marrow. The most common example is chemotherapy treatment.
The following health conditions cause increased breakdown of platelets:
You may not have any symptoms. Or you may have general symptoms, such as:
Other symptoms depend on the cause.
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, a transfusion of platelets may be required to stop or prevent bleeding.
David Kuter is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Danvers, Massachusetts. Kuter has been practicing medicine for over 44 years and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Thrombocytopenia. He is also highly rated in 52 other conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Immune Thrombocytopenia, Purpura, and Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia. He is licensed to treat patients in Massachusetts. Kuter is currently accepting new patients.
Ming Hou practices in Jinan, China. Hou is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Thrombocytopenia. They are also highly rated in 5 other conditions, according to our data. Their top areas of expertise are Immune Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Purpura, and Blood Clots.
Marie Scully practices in London, United Kingdom. Scully is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Thrombocytopenia. She is also highly rated in 17 other conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Purpura, Blood Clots, and D-Minus Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.
The outcome depends on the disorder causing the low platelet counts.
Severe bleeding (hemorrhage) is the main complication. Bleeding may occur in the brain or gastrointestinal tract.
Call your provider if you experience unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Prevention depends on the specific cause.
Published Date: January 25, 2022
Published By: Todd Gersten, MD, Hematology/Oncology, Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, Wellington, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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Calihan J. Hematology. In: Kleinman K, Mcdaniel L, Molloy M, eds. Harriet Lane Handbook: The John Hopkin's Hospital. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 14.
Warkentin TE. Thrombocytopenia caused by platelet destruction, hypersplenism, or hemodilution. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2018:chap 132.