Thrombocytopenia

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the blood has a lower than normal number of platelets. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are a type of blood cell responsible for helping the blood clot, which prevents and stops excessive bleeding.

In most cases, thrombocytopenia is a symptom of an underlying disease or condition. Thrombocytopenia can also be triggered by the use of certain medications, including some antibiotics, cancer treatments, and anti-inflammatory medications.

Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia

Common symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:

excessive or easy bruising
prolonged bleeding from cuts
frequent or severe nosebleeds
blood spots or rashes on the skin due to bleeding underneath the skin
unusually heavy menstrual periods
excessive bleeding from dental work
fatigue or weakness

Causes of Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia can be caused by a variety of factors, such as:

Certain medications, including some antibiotics, chemotherapy agents, and anti-inflammatory medications
Infections, including HIV, mononucleosis, malaria, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis, and Epstein-Barr virus
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Cancers, such as leukemia and lymphoma
Exposure to toxins or radiation
Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency
Genetic disorders, such as thrombocytopenia-absent radius (TAR) syndrome or Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome

Diagnosis of Thrombocytopenia

If your doctor suspects that you have thrombocytopenia, he or she will order a complete blood count (CBC) to determine your platelet count. Your doctor may also order additional tests, such as a bone marrow biopsy or imaging tests, to determine the cause of the condition.