The blood cells known as platelets playa vital part in the mechanisms of the body that stop bleeding. If you have thrombocytopenia, your blood contains about one-third or less of the normal number of platelets. As a result, you will bleed longer than is normal if you are injured or if you begin to bleed internally or externally for any reason.Thrombocytopenia is usually caused by the body forming antibodies (normally protective biochemicals) that attack its own platelets. Healthy platelets are damaged and then reÂmoved from the bloodstream at a high rate. This type of thrombocytopenia is known as acute ITP, which stands for immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Its cause is unknown. Thrombocytopenia may also occur because of a drug you are taking for an unrelated purpose. It occurs relatively often in people who are receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancer.
Thrombocytopenia can occur as a sympÂom of other blood disorders such as leukemia. Also, your platelet count can be reduced when you are given many blood transfusions in a short period of time, during major surgery, for example, or when abnormal bleeding and clotting occur with another disorder.
What are the Symptoms?
The main symptom of thrombocytopenia is a rash that consists of minute, bright red and dark red dots. These dots are actually tiny areas of bleeding in your skin. The rash can appear on any part of your body, but it often begins on the legs and wherever your skin has been irritated. Nose bleeds and a tendency to bruise are also very common symptoms. Bleeding from cuts is also prolonged, and major internal bleeding often occurs when your platelet count is low.
What should be done?
Consult your physician immediately if you notice the characteristic rash or any other abnormal bleeding. The physician will probaÂbly review any drugs you may be taking for another disorder, and will take a blood samÂple for laboratory analysis. The blood test will show the platelet level, and indicate whether the thrombocytopenia is a sign of another disease. Usually a bone marrow examination is required to determine if platelets are being made in the marrow.
What is the Treatment?
Your physician will probably stop most or all drugs you may be taking, because virtually any drug can produce thrombocytopenia. If the cause appears to be an antibody, your physician may prescribe a steroid drug to decrease the destruction caused by anÂtibodies. This will allow the level of platelets in your blood to rise. The disease often imÂproves or disappears after a few weeks. If it does not, your physician may advise you to have a splenectomy, an operation in which your spleen is removed. The spleen normally destroys worn out red cells, but it can become enlarged and overactive. If this occurs, the spleen may also destroy platelets, and preÂvent you from recovering quickly.
If you have thrombocytopenia that is caused by underproduction of platelets by the bone marrow or by blood loss caused by bleeding or abnormal clotting, you may need transfusions of platelets.