Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for a low blood platelet count. Platelets are colorless blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. Platelets stop blood loss by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel holes. Thrombocytopenia often occurs as a result of a separate disorder, such as leukemia or an immune system problem, or as a medication side effect. Thrombocytopenia may be mild and cause few signs or symptoms. In rare cases, the number of platelets may be so low that dangerous internal bleeding can occur. Thrombocytopenia usually improves when the underlying cause is treated. Sometimes medications, surgery or a blood transfusion can help treat chronic thrombocytopenia.
Thrombocytopenia can be caused by many things. In many cases, causes relate to trapping of platelets in the spleen, reduced production of platelets, and increased breakdown of platelets. Normally, your spleen works to fight infection and filter unwanted material from your blood. An enlarged spleen may harbor too many platelets, causing a decrease in the number of platelets in circulation. Platelets are produced in your bone marrow. A disease or condition that involves your bone marrow, such as leukemia and some types of anemia, could lead to a reduction in the number of new platelets produced. Viral infections, including HIV infection, may reduce your bone marrow's ability to make platelets. Toxic chemicals, chemotherapy drugs and heavy alcohol consumption also can reduce platelet production. A number of conditions can cause your body to use up or destroy platelets more rapidly than they are produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream. Common causes of the body destroying or using platelets rapidly are: Pregnancy, Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune diseases, bacteria in the blood, hemolytic uremic syndrome, and medications. Risk factors for thrombocytopenia could be age, gender, pregnant females, and recent or reoccurring infections in the...