Published: 18 Jun 2025

ICD9: 287.5      ICD10: D69.6      ICD11: 3B64

Thrombocytopenia, also known as thrombopenia, is a condition characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets (also called thrombocytes) in the blood.
Platelets are essential blood cells that help the blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding.

Here's a breakdown:

What are platelets? Platelets are tiny, colorless cell fragments that circulate in the blood. They play a critical role in hemostasis (stopping bleeding) by clumping together to form a plug at the site of an injury.
Normal platelet count: A normal platelet count typically ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter (µL) of blood.
Thrombocytopenia diagnosis: Thrombocytopenia is generally diagnosed when the platelet count falls below 150,000 platelets/µL.
Severity: The severity of thrombocytopenia varies. Mild cases might not cause any noticeable symptoms, while severe cases can lead to significant bleeding problems.
Risk of Bleeding: The lower the platelet count, the higher the risk of bleeding. Spontaneous bleeding is more likely to occur when the platelet count drops below 20,000 platelets/µL.

Causes:

Thrombocytopenia can result from various factors, including:

Decreased platelet production in the bone marrow:
Leukemia: Cancer of the blood or bone marrow.
Myelodysplastic syndromes: A group of disorders in which the bone marrow doesn't produce enough healthy blood cells.
Aplastic anemia: A condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce enough blood cells.
Nutritional deficiencies: Deficiencies in vitamin B12, folate, or iron.
Infections: Viral infections like hepatitis C or HIV can suppress platelet production.
Alcohol abuse: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with platelet production.
Certain medications: Chemotherapy drugs and some other medications can damage the bone marrow.

Increased platelet destruction:
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): An autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks and destroys platelets.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): A rare blood disorder that causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels.
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT): A reaction to the blood-thinning medication heparin.
Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): A serious condition that causes widespread blood clotting and bleeding.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A condition that affects the blood and kidneys, often caused by E. coli infection.

Increased platelet consumption:
Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen): The spleen can trap and destroy platelets.
Pregnancy: Gestational thrombocytopenia is a mild form that can occur during pregnancy.
Massive blood transfusions: Can dilute the platelet count.

Symptoms:

Symptoms of thrombocytopenia can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all. Common symptoms include:

Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as pinpoint-sized red spots (petechiae)
Prolonged bleeding from cuts
Bleeding from the gums or nose
Blood in urine or stool
Unusually heavy menstrual flow
Fatigue
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)

Diagnosis:

Thrombocytopenia is typically diagnosed through a complete blood count (CBC) test, which measures the number of platelets in the blood. Further tests, such as a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment:

Treatment for thrombocytopenia depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Mild cases may not require treatment, while more severe cases may require:

Medications: Corticosteroids, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), rituximab, thrombopoietin receptor agonists.
Blood or platelet transfusions: To temporarily increase the platelet count.
Splenectomy: Surgical removal of the spleen in cases of ITP that don't respond to other treatments.
Treatment of the underlying cause: Such as treating an infection or stopping a medication that is causing the thrombocytopenia.

Important Note:

If you suspect you have thrombocytopenia, it is crucial to seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment. This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.