Thrombocytopenia is any disorder in which there are not sufficient platelets in the blood. Since platelets are cells in the blood that assist clotting, such a condition is at times associated with abnormal bleeding.

Causes

Three main groups of underlying causes exist, and some of their many particular conditions include the following:

Decreased production of platelets in the bone marrow:

Aplastic anemia
Bone marrow cancer
Bone marrow infections

Increased destruction of platelets in the bloodstream (intravascular) or in the liver or spleen (extravascular):

Immune thromocytopenic purpura (ITP)
Disseminated intravascular thrombocytopenia
Drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia
Drug-induced non-immune thrombocytopenia
Hypersplenism
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura

Symptoms

Particular symptoms may vary depending upon the individual case and type, but common symptoms of thrombocytopenia may include:

Bleeding in the gums and mouth
Bruising
Nose bleeds (epistaxis)
Purpura
Rashes

Diagnosis

A case of thrombocytopenia is diagnosed by a doctor or medical professional. Some tests and exams used to receive a diagnosis may include: complete blood count (CBC), bone marrow aspiration, partial thromboplastin time (PTT), platelet associated antibodies, and prothrombin time (PT).

Treatment

Treatment depends upon the case of thrombocytopenia, the underlying causes, and other factors. It is often the cause itself that will be treated. The disorder or disease that brings the low platelet counts may receive treatment. If certain drugs are suspected to be causeing the low level of platelets in the blood, then those might be discontinued by the patient.