How do you get thrombocytopenia?

How do you get thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia (THROM-bo-sigh-toe-PEE-ne-ah) occurs when your blood platelet count is low. Platelets are also called thrombocytes. This type of blood cell clumps together to form blood clots to help stop bleeding at the site of a cut or wound. Another name for a blood clot is thrombus.

What do you need to know about thrombocytopenia?

What is thrombocytopenia? Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which your platelets (also called thrombocytes) are low in number, which can result in bleeding problems. Platelets are a type of blood cell which are important for helping blood to clot.

Why does thrombocytopenia occur in hospitalized alcoholics?

Thrombocytopenia in hospitalized alcoholics may be caused by spleen enlargement, folate deficiency, and most frequently, the direct toxic effect of alcohol on production, survival time, and function of platelets. Platelet count begins to rise after 2 to 5 days’ abstinence from alcohol.

Can a person with septic shock have thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia can be contrasted with thrombocytosis, an abnormally high level of platelets in the blood. Right upper limb with purpura caused by thrombocytopenia in person with septic shock. Thrombocytopenia usually has no symptoms and is picked up on a routine full blood count (or complete blood count).

What causes low platelet count and thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia often occurs as a result of a separate disorder, such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or it may be caused by a number of medications or conditions.

What medications can cause thrombocytopenia?

Heparin, a blood thinner, is the most common cause of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia. If a medicine prevents your bone marrow from making enough platelets, the condition is called drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia. Chemotherapy drugs and a seizure medicine called valproic acid may lead to this problem.

What is the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytopenia?

• Common Diagnostic Tests. The most common tests include blood testing and a physical exam.
• treatment may not be necessary because it could resolve without any medical treatment.
• Resources. MayoClinic.com. (2010). Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count). MedlinePlus. (2010). Thrombocytopenia.

  When does thrombocytopenia become dangerous?

  When platelet counts are low, thrombocytopenia can set in and leave you at risk, most dangerously for internal bleeding. Platelets are just one of many cell types that make up the blood floating through your body.

  What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

  Signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia usually include some aspect of increased bleeding. For example, signs and symptoms include easy bleeding, easy bruising, pinpoint hemorrhages to the skin or elsewhere, nosebleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods and blood in the urine or stool.