Thrombocytopenia Treatment
Thrombocytopenia {low blood platelet count}
Thrombocytopenia is low blood platelet count. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are colorless blood cells that help blood clot. Platelets stop bleeding by clumping together and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries.Thrombocytopenia (throm-boe-sie-toe-PEE-nee-uh) can happen because of conditions or medicines that affect the circulation, production or destruction of blood platelets. Thrombocytopenia can affect both children and adults.
Thrombocytopenia can be mild and cause no symptoms. If platelets become too low, there is a risk of serious bleeding after an injury or during surgery. Rarely, dangerous internal bleeding can occur.
Treatments address the underlying condition causing the low platelet count. In some cases, treatment includes a transfusion of donor platelets
Symptoms
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia may include:
- DEasy or excessive bruising, called purpura, on the skin or inside the mouth.
- Pinpoint-sized dots on the skin, called petechiae, that may be red, purplish or brownish.
- Bleeding from minor cuts that lasts longer than usual.
- Bleeding from the gums or nose.
- Blood in urine or stools.
- Unusually heavy menstrual flows.