What is thrombocytopenia?
Nov 23, 2021 · Platelets are tiny cells made in the bone marrow. Platelets are very important, as they prevent bleeding by forming clots and sealing blood vessels if they become damaged. A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter (mcL) of blood. Having too many or too few platelets may lead to complications. 1.
What is a low platelet count for a blood test?
Nov 20, 2019 · In healthy adults, the normal platelet count is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A count lower than 150,000 platelets per microliter is considered low. However, the patient is typically not at risk for severe bleeding until their platelet count drops between 10,000 and 20,000 platelets per microliter.
What are normal platelet counts?
Jan 29, 2022 · Signs and symptoms typically begin occurring with platelet counts less than 100 × 10 9 /L, but bleeding is rare until platelet counts drop below 30 × 10 9 /L. 11 Cutaneous and mucosal bleeding usually occurs with platelet numbers below 20 × 10 9 /L, while severe hemorrhagic cases such as intracranial, intestinal, or other internal bleeding typically occurs …
Can thrombocytopenia be prevented?
As the platelet count falls below 20,000-50,000; 10,000-20,000; and less than 10,000 cells/µl, the frequency of life-threatening bleeding rises steeply from approximately 5-6% to 10% and 20-40%, respectively. Patients developing thrombocytopenia require treatment with platelet transfusions and occasionally, admission to the hospital, until the platelets return to sufficient levels in the …
What platelet level requires treatment?
Between 20,000 and 50,000 per μl: There is more risk of bleeding when injured. Less than 20,000 per μl: Bleeding happens even without injury. Below 10,000 platelets per μl: Spontaneous bleeding can be severe and a risk to life.
How low do platelets have to be to be considered thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body normally renews your platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.
What is considered serious low platelet count?
What is a low platelet count? A count lower than 150,000 platelets per microlitre of blood is considered to be thrombocytopenia, which means a lower than normal platelet count. Below 50,000 is a seriously low platelet count. Below 10,000 is considered severe thrombocytopenia, with a risk of internal bleeding.
When should you go to the hospital for low platelets?
Know when to seek emergency care Seek emergency medical care if you have a major injury, bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure for 10 to 15 minutes, or symptoms that are severe—such as lightheadedness, confusion, and changes in your level of consciousness.
What is a normal platelet count for a woman?
A normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Having more than 450,000 platelets is a condition called thrombocytosis; having less than 150,000 is known as thrombocytopenia. You get your platelet number from a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
Is 50 a low platelet count?
A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low. When it's this low, you may bleed even when you are not injured.
What are 3 causes of thrombocytopenia?
What causes thrombocytopenia?Alcohol use disorder and alcoholism.Autoimmune disease which causes ITP. ... Bone marrow diseases, including aplastic anemia, leukemia, certain lymphomas and myelodysplastic syndromes.Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.More items...•Nov 23, 2020
What does a platelet count of 70000 mean?
When the platelet count drops to 50,000 to 75,000 per cubic millimetre, and particularly to 10,000 to 20,000 per cubic millimetre, spontaneous bleeding may occur. Thrombocytopenia is associated with blood diseases such as aplastic anemia and leukemia and is attributed to impaired production of platelets.
Can thrombocytopenia be cured?
People with mild thrombocytopenia might not need treatment. For people who do need treatment for thrombocytopenia, treatment depends on its cause and how severe it is. If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it.
What are the four mechanisms of thrombocytopenia?
INTRODUCTION. Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in critically ill veterinary patients, regardless of the diagnosis at admission. There are four primary causes of thrombocytopenia: hypoproliferation (lack of production), sequestration, consumption (utilization), and destruction.
Does a low platelet count mean leukemia?
Your platelet count may be low if the body is not making enough platelets, losing platelets, or platelets are being destroyed. In patients with cancer, low platelet count may be caused by: Certain types of cancer: patients with lymphomas or leukemias may be at higher risk for low platelet counts.Dec 15, 2020
What are the complications of thrombocytopenia?
Complications of thrombocytopenia include:Adverse effects of treatment.Anemia.Excessive or uncontrollable bleeding.Gastrointestinal bleeding.Intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)Severe nosebleeds.
What is thrombocytopenia in the body?
Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which the body’s platelet count is lower than average. The bone marrow produces platelets along with the blood’s other components (white blood cells, red blood cells and plasma).
What is low platelet count?
Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) is a condition in which there are fewer platelets in the blood than normal (less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood). Platelets are components of the blood that form blood clots to stop bleeding and thrombocytopenia can cause abnormal or severe bleeding. In mild cases, the patient may not show any ...
How long does thrombocytopenia last?
There are several different factors that may contribute to thrombocytopenia and the condition may last only a few days or it may last several years, depending on the cause and severity. Signs of Low Platelet Count. The main sign of thrombocytopenia is mild to severe bleeding, either internal or external.
Why is my platelet count low?
But typically, the body has a low platelet count for three general reasons. First, the bone marrow may not make enough platelets. In other cases, however, the bone marrow may make enough platelets, but another factor destroys them or uses them up.
Why are platelets important?
Platelets are a crucial part of the blood. The small, sticky, colorless, plate-shaped cells help with blood clotting and keep the body from losing too much blood ( x ). However, sometimes the platelet count in the blood may diminish from genetic conditions, viral diseases or severe infections. Thrombocytopenia is a disorder in which ...
How long does thrombocytopenia last?
Thrombocytopenia can last for days or years. People with mild thrombocytopenia might not need treatment. For people who do need treatment for thrombocytopenia, treatment depends on its cause and how severe it is. If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it.
How to treat thrombocytopenia?
If you have thrombocytopenia, try to: Avoid activities that could cause injury. Ask your doctor which activities are safe for you. Contact sports, such as boxing, martial arts and football, carry a high risk of injury. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
What is the purpose of a complete blood count?
Blood test. A complete blood count determines the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a sample of your blood. Physical exam, including a complete medical history. Your doctor will look for signs of bleeding under your skin and feel your abdomen to see if your spleen is enlarged. He or she will also ask you about illnesses you've had ...
Does alcohol affect platelets?
Alcohol slows the production of platelets in your body. Ask your doctor whether it's OK for you to drink alcohol. Use caution with over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can prevent platelets from working properly.
What to do if your platelet count is low?
If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid.
Why is thrombocytopenia important?
When patients are treated with chemotherapy, it is for the purpose of destroying cancer cells in order to reduce symptoms from their cancer, prolong their survival or increase their chance of cure.
What is thrombocytopenia in cancer?
Thrombocytopenia refers to the presence of abnormally low levels of platelets in the circulating blood. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are a specific kind of blood cell that prevent bleeding. The most common reason that cancer patients experience thrombocytopenia is as a side effect of chemotherapy. When chemotherapy affects bone marrow, ...
How to treat thrombocytopenia?
The most common way to treat thrombocytopenia is with platelet transfusions. Transfusions only temporarily correct thrombocytopenia and are associated with complications. Platelet Transfusion : The goal of a platelet transfusion is to prevent or stop bleeding.
Does chemotherapy cause thrombocytopenia?
Unfortunately, chemotherapy also affects normal cells that grow rapidly, such as blood cells forming in the bone marrow, cells in the hair follicles or cells in the mouth and intestines. When patients experience thrombocytopenia following administration of chemotherapy, they are at risk of certain side effects.
What is AMG 531?
AMG 531 is an investigative agent that stimulates the body to produce platelets and thus reduce or reverse thrombocytopenia.
Does thrombocytopenia cause bleeding?
Specifically, the fewer platelets in the blood and the longer a patient remains without enough platelets, the more susceptible he/she is to experiencing bleeding. Thrombocytopenia confers a risk of bleeding and the magnitude of risk is closely correlated with the severity and duration of thrombocytopenia.
Can chemotherapy be delayed?
When patients develop thrombocytopenia following administration of chemotherapy, doctors may have to delay treatment or reduce the doses of the chemotherapy.
What causes thrombocytopenia?
Autoimmune conditions: Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause immune thrombocytopenia as the immune system starts to attack itself, destroying platelets in the process. Bacterial blood infections: Bacteremia, or a bacterial infection affecting the blood, may destroy platelets.
What causes low platelet count?
Nutritional deficiencies: As with anemia, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate) can lead to low platelet counts, since the body doesn't have the basic nutrients to create them. Viral infections: Certain viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV may result in decreased production of platelets.
What is CBC blood test?
Your platelets are analyzed during a complete blood count (CBC) test, which is a standard panel of bloodwork. Platelet count is one of the measures the CBC delivers. Here is the normal range and concerning levels of low platelets: 1 .
How to stop bleeding gums?
Avoid contact sports to minimize the potential risk of injury and bleeding. Use an extra-soft toothbrush and perform diligent mouth care to reduce gum inflammation, as inflamed gums bleed more easily when flossing. Avoid flossing when your platelet count gets very low.
How to stop bleeding from low platelet count?
If you begin bleeding, follow these steps and contact your care provider: Have a seat or lie down. Try to remain calm. Apply pressure to the wound if you can see it. Apply an ice pack to the site to slow the bleeding.
What is the function of platelets in blood?
Platelets are small cells circulating in your bloodstream that affix themselves to the wall of a blood vessel following injury. They are specifically designed for clotting; they clump together to prevent bleeding. If you have low platelets in your blood, known as thrombocytopenia, your ability to form clots and stop bleeding may be impaired.
How to treat a wound on the arm?
If the wound is on an arm or leg, elevate the limb above the level of your heart. If you notice blood in your urine, keep drinking increased fluids and report to your doctor. If you notice blood in your vomit, take anti-nausea and stomach antacids as directed by your doctor.
What is a low platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia, which signifies a low platelet count usually below 150 × 10 9 /L, is a common finding following or during many viral infections. In clinical medicine, mild thrombocytopenia, combined with lymphopenia in a patient with signs and symptoms of an infectious disease, raises the suspicion of a viral infection. This phenomenon is classically attributed to platelet consumption due to inflammation-induced coagulation, sequestration from the circulation by phagocytosis and hypersplenism, and impaired platelet production due to defective megakaryopoiesis or cytokine-induced myelosuppression. All these mechanisms, while plausible and supported by substantial evidence, regard platelets as passive bystanders during viral infection. However, platelets are increasingly recognized as active players in the (antiviral) immune response and have been shown to interact with cells of the innate and adaptive immune system as well as directly with viruses. These findings can be of interest both for understanding the pathogenesis of viral infectious diseases and predicting outcome. In this review, we will summarize and discuss the literature currently available on various mechanisms within the relationship between thrombocytopenia and virus infections.
Is a full blood count a diagnostic test?
In patients presenting to care with signs or symptoms of infectious disease, a full blood count is part of a routine diagnostic evaluation. Mild thrombocytopenia, often combined with lymphocytopenia is typical of most acute viral infections, but neither are sufficiently sensitive nor specific to reliably distinguish viral from bacterial or parasitic pathogens. Except for viral hemorrhagic fevers and rare cases of severe disseminated viral infections, virus-induced thrombocytopenia does not lead to significant bleeding, rarely requires platelet transfusions, and is therefore easily dismissed as clinically irrelevant. However, when the relationship between platelets and viral infection is studied more closely and in larger study populations, important findings emerge which shed light on previously unrecognized aspects of viral diseases. The incidence of thromboembolic complications is elevated in individuals during and after influenza virus infection, for example, a relation which may not be apparent to physicians diagnosing and treating influenza-like illness [ 1 ]. Platelet counts during peak symptomatic disease have also been found to be a marker of disease severity in certain viral infections, [ 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19] or can serve as a first clue towards diagnosing chronic viral infections [ 20, 21, 22, 23 ]. These phenomena are typically not explained by changes in platelet quantity, but rather by the effects of viral infections on platelet function.
What is platelet agglutination?
Platelet agglutination or adhesion to leukocytes is often found in patients with systemic inflammatory diseases, including viral infections. Standard automated hematology analyzers are often unable to accurately detect leukocyte-bound platelets or platelet aggregates, leading to a false finding of a reduced platelet count (pseudo-thrombocytopenia). This can also be caused by drawing blood into tubes containing EDTA, the most common anticoagulant used for complete blood counts. If pseudo-thrombocytopenia is suspected, performing a manual peripheral blood smear or repeating the platelet count in using different anticoagulants, can help avoid unnecessary diagnostic procedures or transfusions [ 31 ]. Isolated thrombocytopenia should prompt investigation into chronic viral infections, such as hepatitis B, C and HIV, whereas leukocyte abnormalities and rise in other infection biomarkers, raises suspicions of an acute viral illness [ 32 ].
Can a virus cause thrombocytopenia?
One of the most common accepted etiologies underlying virus-induced thrombocytopenia is the one where viruses can directly infect bone marrow stromal cells and hematopoietic stem cells leading to defective hematopoiesis and thrombocytopenia [ 33 ] . Furthermore, decreased platelet production can be the result of changed cytokine profiles, during infection, leading to lower TPO production in the liver, reducing megakaryopoiesis [ 34, 35 ]. Finally, viruses can infect and replicate in megakaryocytes while other viruses modulate megakaryocyte function or decrease the expression of Myeloproliferative Leukemia Protein (c-MPL), the receptor for TPO, leading megakaryocyte destruction and subsequent lowered platelet production [ 36, 37, 38 ].
What is TBEV in the blood?
TBEV is a flavivirus that is transmitted through bites of ticks and is prevalent in Europe and northeastern Asia [ 91 ]. After initial viremia, the central nervous system may become infected, which can result in severe neurological damage and occasionally death. Like most other viruses that can enter the bloodstream, TBEV causes thrombocytopenia, albeit generally mild and not typically associated with bleeding. A case–control study in patients with suspected and confirmed central nervous system infections, reported a decreased mean platelet count in TBE cases versus neuroborreliosis cases. However, the mean platelet count (173.8 × 10 9 /L) remained above the lower limit of normal in the TBE group. In addition, platelet counts correlated positively with concentrations in serum of IL-23, a cytokine secreted by dendritic cells, which is believed to stimulate essential host-defense mechanisms against viruses [ 92 ]. This could indicate a role for IL-23 in stimulating megakaryopoiesis during TBEV infection.
Is thrombocytopenia a common finding in HIV?
Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in HIV infection and HIV testing is part of a routine evaluation for unexplained thrombocytopenia. Screening individuals with thrombocytopenia and other so-called indicator conditions, has been shown to be a cost-effective and more efficient compared to universal screening [ 20, 21, 22 ]. HIV as the underlying cause for otherwise unexplained thrombocytopenia is frequently missed [ 23 ]. Decline of platelet count over time in HIV patients has been associated with development of dementia and reduced gray matter volume on MRI scans, although univariate and multivariate analyses were not entirely consistent [ 134 ]. Several mechanisms for thrombocytopenia in HIV infected individuals have been proposed and these will be discussed in more detail below.
What is the most pathogenic VHF?
The extreme containment precautions required to study the most highly pathogenic VHF’s, such as Ebolavirus, Marburgvirus and Lassavirus, makes studying the interactions of live virus with human platelets an expensive and labor intensive endeavor. Only a small number of laboratories worldwide are equipped with biosafety level 4 facilities and only two are located on the African continent, where most VHF infections occur [ 93 ]. Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV) is an arenavirus, which has sporadically caused severe Lassavirus-like illness in humans. Its reservoir host is mice, who only develop very mild disease. Experimental infections of mice with LCMV, after platelet depletion treatment, however, result in a more severe VHF with uncontrolled viral replication and dissemination, similar to that observed in humans. The platelet-depleted mice had impaired LCMV specific CD8+ T Cell responses. Severe disease and mortality only occurred in mice whose platelet reduction treatment was initiated shortly before LCMV infection. This may suggest that the innate antiviral response against LCMV requires platelets. However, Interferon α and β production appeared to be unaffected by platelet depletion treatment, indicating this part of the innate immune response had remained intact. Further examination of the spleen in LCMV infected mice who underwent platelet depletion demonstrated extensive disruption of the splenic architecture and cellular necrosis, which could be the common mechanism of both the defective innate and T cell responses. These experiments provided novel insights in the role of platelets in controlling VHF through protection of splenic vascular integrity and the importance of this organ in mounting sufficient cellular and innate immune responses to eliminate the virus [ 94 ].
What is cyclic thrombocytopenia?
Cyclic thrombocytopenia (CTP) is an uncommon disorder characterized by periodic fluctuations in platelet counts, typically resulting in episodes of thrombocytopenia alternating with normal platelet counts.
What is CTP in hematology?
Cyclic thrombocytopenia (CTP) is an uncommon disorder characterized by periodic fluctuations in platelet counts, typically resulting in episodes of thrombocytopenia alternating with normal platelet counts. While some CTP cases are associated with a primary hematologic disease, most are idiopathic. Patients with CTP are frequently misdiagnosed as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) because CTP has clinical features very similar to ITP. When evaluating patients with suspected ITP, CTP should always be included in the differential diagnoses because CTP generally does not respond to standard ITP treatments, including corticosteroids, splenectomy, and intravenous immunoglobulin. Two clinical features relatively unique to CTP besides periodic thrombocytopenia are rebound thrombocytosis unrelated to recent splenectomy and platelet nadirs occurring during menses. When a diagnosis of CTP is made, patients must be offered a period of observation, as many may not require treatment. If treatment is clinically indicated, the literature suggests that hormonal therapy provides the best response.
Diagnosis
- The following can be used to determine whether you have thrombocytopenia: 1. Blood test.A complete blood count determines the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a sample of your blood. 2. Physical exam, including a complete medical history.Your doctor will look for signs of bleeding under your skin and feel your abdomen to see if your spleen is enlarged. He or she w…
Treatment
- Thrombocytopenia can last for days or years. People with mild thrombocytopenia might not need treatment. For people who do need treatment for thrombocytopenia, treatment depends on its cause and how severe it is. If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it. For example, if you have heparin-induced throm…
Lifestyle and Home Remedies
- If you have thrombocytopenia, try to: 1. Avoid activities that could cause injury.Ask your doctor which activities are safe for you. Contact sports, such as boxing, martial arts and football, carry a high risk of injury. 2. Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.Alcohol slows the production of platelets in your body. Ask your doctor whether it's OK for you to drink alcohol. 3. Use caution with over-th…
Preparing For Your Appointment
- Start by seeing your primary care doctor, who can manage most cases of thrombocytopenia. In certain situations, he or she might refer you to a specialist in blood diseases (hematologist). Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.