Diseases
thrombocytopenia
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, the body normally renews the platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in the bone marrow.
Symptoms
- easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
- superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash,usually on the lower
- prolonged bleeding from cuts
- bleeding from your gums or nose
- blood in urine or stools,enlarged spleen
Causes
- decreased production of platelets due to leukemia ,some types of anemia,viral infection such as hepatitis c or hiv
- increased breakdown of platelets:due to pregnancy ,autoimmune diseases,bacteria in the blood ,certain drugs like heparin
Risk factors
- leukemia and other cancers.
- some types of anemia.
- viral infections, such as hepatitis c or hiv.
Diagnosis
- blood test.
- physical exam, including a complete medical history.
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, the body normally renews the platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in the bone marrow.
What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?
easy or excessive bruising (purpura), superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash,usually on the lower, prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding from your gums or nose, blood in urine or stools,enlarged spleen
What causes thrombocytopenia?
decreased production of platelets due to leukemia ,some types of anemia,viral infection such as hepatitis c or hiv; increased breakdown of platelets:due to pregnancy ,autoimmune diseases,bacteria in the blood ,certain drugs like heparin
Which medicines are used for thrombocytopenia?
argatroban, eltrombopag, romiplostim
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