Thrombocytopenia: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Thrombocytopenia can be defined as a medical problem that occurs due to low count of blood cell fragments or platelets. Like any other blood cells, platelets are also produced in our bone marrow. The main function of the platelets is to stop any bleeding caused by damage to a blood vessel. Normally, the platelet count in one microliter of blood varies in the range of 150,000 to 450,000. If the count is less than 150,000, then it is considered as below normal. Some mild bleeding can take place, when the count goes below 50,000. But the possibility of serious bleeding occurs, when the count goes below 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter.

Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia

The primary symptom of thrombocytopenia is mild to serious bleeding. Bleeding can happen within the body (internal bleeding) or on the surface of the skin. Though mild thrombocytopenia does not show up any kind of symptoms. It is detected during a regular blood test. When it is severe, bleeding can start in any part of the body. Initial signs of low platelet count is bleeding on the skin. It can cause severe bleeding for a long time, and even from minor cuts. Nose bleeding, bleeding from the mouth, blood in stools or urine are some other forms of bleeding that can occur in thrombocytopenia.

Causes of Thrombocytopenia

There are several reasons which can cause thrombocytopenia. The condition can be hereditary and people of any age can suffer from this disease. The primary factors that can lead to thrombocytopenia are as follows:

Bone marrow is not producing sufficient platelets: Stem cells present in the bone marrow are responsible for the production of blood platelets. Diseases like leukemia damage the stem cells and lower the production of platelets. Aplastic anemia is a rare kind of blood disorder that results in the reduction of the platelet count in the body. If the body is exposed to toxic substances, like some pesticides or arsenic, then the platelets are produced very slowly.

Large number of platelets are held by the spleen: In normal conditions, around one-third of the platelets produced in our body are held by the spleen. If the spleen gets enlarged due to severe diseases of liver, like cirrhosis, it will hold more number of platelets than usual. As a result, not much platelets are available for circulation through the blood.

The platelets made by bone marrow are destroyed or used: The body tends to destroy its own platelets because of some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, side effects of any kind of medicines, or some conditions that lead to excessive blood clotting.

Treatment of Thrombocytopenia

The kind of medical treatment given to a patient suffering from thrombocytopenia depends on the cause and severity of the ailment. The sole aim is to prevent the risk of life due to loss of blood. If a patient has mild thrombocytopenia, then he or she may not need any treatment at all. In case the condition is serious, steroids are administered orally or through the veins. Those who get active bleeding, need blood or platelet transfusion. For adult patients who suffers from thrombocytopenia due to enlarged spleen, the spleen may be removed by surgery called splenectomy.

There is no preventive measures as such, that can be taken to prevent thrombocytopenia. However, one can seek advice of a doctor and take some steps that would help to arrest further complications.