User:Mr. Ibrahem/Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a low levels of platelets (thrombocytes) in the blood. Symptoms may include bleeding, including within the body, into the skin, or externally such as from the gums. Bleeding into the skin may result in purpura (purple bruises) or petechiae (small red dots).

Low platelets may occur due to insufficient production, increased destruction, or the spleen holding on to too many. Insufficient production may occur due to leukemia, aplastic anemia, certain chemicals or medications, alcohol, viral infections, and genetic conditions. Increased destruction may occur due to immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), certain medications, infections, surgery, pregnancy, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The spleen may hold on to too many when it is enlarged. In adults there are normally 150 to 450 x 109 platelets per L (150,000 to 450,000 per mm3) of blood with values below that defined as thrombocytopenia.

Treatment depends on the cause. Mild cases may not require specific treatment. In severe disease corticosteroids, rituximab, or eltrombopag may be used. When platelets are below 20 x 109 per L a platelet transfusion may be recommended. Surgical removal of the spleen may be used if medications are not effective. The condition is relatively common, with about half of people in the intensive care unit having the condition.