Thrombocytopenia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterised by low blood platelet levels. Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are blood cells that aid in blood clotting. When blood arteries are damaged, platelets assemble to form plugs that stop the bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia, which can also result from bone marrow diseases, may be brought on by leukaemia or immune system problems. It might also result in a harmful medication interaction. Both children and adults are affected.

Thrombocytopenia may not show any or rather mild symptoms. Rarely, a person's platelet count may drop below a critical level, causing internal bleeding that could be fatal. It's feasible to get treatment.

What are the causes of Thrombocytopenia?

There are three different types of thrombocytopenia causes:

• There are not enough platelets produced by your bone marrow. If you have blood cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma, this could occur.
• Your bone marrow produces adequate platelets, but since you have diseases that deplete or kill platelets, your platelet supply becomes insufficient.
• To prevent platelets from moving through your bloodstream, your spleen retains them. About one-third of your platelet supply is typically kept in your spleen.

The following specific elements have an impact on platelet supply:

• Autoimmune conditions: Conditions that affect your immune system, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), can cause platelets to be destroyed.
• Blood cancers: Leukaemia and lymphoma can harm your bone marrow and impair its capacity to produce adequate blood cells, especially platelets.
• Cancer therapies: Some cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can kill stem cells that would have produced platelets.
• Toxic thrombocytopenic purpura (TPP): Blood clots are brought on by this blood condition and form in tiny blood arteries all over your body. Blood clots are formed by platelets. If you have TPP or a condition that uses up platelets like disseminated intravascular coagulation, your platelet supply may become depleted.
• Illnesses: Viral and bacterial illnesses may cause your platelet levels to drop.
• Alcohol abuse: Alcohol decreases platelet production. Your platelet level could decline if you consume a lot of alcohol.
• Toxic substances: Exposure to toxic substances, such as arsenic, benzene, and pesticides, may have an impact on your platelet level.
• Medication: Heparin, a blood thinner, seizure medications, antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections, and other drugs may have an impact on platelet levels.

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What are the symptoms of Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia may manifest in some of the following ways:

• Easy or frequent bleeding (purpura)
• Petechiae, a rash of tiny reddish-purple spots (petechiae) that generally develop on the lower legs, are the result of superficial bleeding into the skin.
• Persistent bleeding from wounds
• Having nose or gum bleeding
• Urine or faeces with blood
• Exceptionally large menstrual discharges
• Fatigue
• Enlarged spleen

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Diagnosis of Thrombocytopenia 

You can use the following to find out if you have thrombocytopenia:

• A blood test. A complete blood count can be used to count all the blood cells in a sample of your blood, including platelets.
• Physical examination with a thorough medical history. Your doctor will examine you for any symptoms of internal bleeding and feel your abdomen to check for spleen enlargement. Along with your recent use of medications and supplements, he or she will inquire about any diseases you have previously experienced.

Depending on your indications and symptoms, your doctor could advise additional tests and procedures to identify the origin of your problem.

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Treatment of Thrombocytopenia 

Days or years may pass while still having thrombocytopenia. Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of thrombocytopenia. Treatment for those who do require it depends on the underlying cause and the severity of their thrombocytopenia.

If a medicine or underlying illness is the source of your thrombocytopenia, treating that issue may be able to reverse it. For instance, if you have thrombocytopenia brought on by heparin, your doctor may recommend a new blood-thinning medication.

Other therapies could include:

• Transfusions of platelets or blood. If your platelet count goes too low, your doctor may transfuse packed red blood cells or platelets to replenish the blood you've lost.
• Medications. Your doctor may recommend medications to increase your platelet count if your disease is caused by an immune system issue. A corticosteroid may be the medication of first choice. Your immune system can be suppressed with heavier drugs if that doesn't work.
• Surgery. Your doctor may advise having your spleen surgically removed (a procedure known as a splenectomy) if other therapies are unsuccessful.
• Exchanging plasma. An urgent situation needing plasma exchange can arise from thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

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Complications of Thrombocytopenia 

The risk of acquiring the following conditions may be higher in those with severe thrombocytopenia:

• Severe internal bleeding: Thrombocytopenia can result in gastrointestinal bleeding or cerebral bleeding. Bleeding in the brain is a life-threatening condition.
• Heart attack: Thrombocytopenia may cause your heart's blood supply to be reduced.

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