THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Mónica Delgado C.

The terms thrombocytopenia refer to a relative decrease of platelets in blood.

CAUSES Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura Thrombocytopenia-inducing medications Increased destruction Decreased production of thrombopoietin by

the liver in liver failure Leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Occasionally, there may be bruising , particularly purpura in the forearms, petechia (pinpoint hemorrhages on skin and mucous membranes), nosebleeds and/or bleeding gums A person with this disease

may also complain of malaise, fatigue, and general weakness (with or without accompanying blood loss).

DIAGNOSIS

Laboratory tests might include: full blood count liver enzymes renal function vitamin B12 levels folic acid levels erythrocyte sedimentation rate peripheral blood smear

TREATMENT

The main concept in treating thrombocytopenia is to eliminate the underlying problem, whether that means discontinuing suspected drugs that cause thrombocytopenia, or treating underlying sepsis.

Thrombocytopenia affects a few percent of newborns, and its prevalence in neonatal intensive care units is high.

Most of the cases of thrombocytopenia affect preterm birth infants and are results of placental insufficiency and/or fetal hypoxia.