What is Thrombocytopenia and what can be done about it?

Thrombocytopenia is the medical term for a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that play an important role in blood clotting. They stop blood loss by clumping together at the site of a blood vessel injury and forming plugs in vessel holes.

If for any reason your blood platelet count falls below normal, this is called thrombocytopenia. Complications may range from none at all to severe bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia often occurs as a result of a separate disease or disorder. For example, a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia can interfere with platelet production and reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Or sometimes, thrombocytopenia occurs because of an immune system malfunction that develops for unknown reasons. In addition, thrombocytopenia may occur as a reaction to a medication.

Sometimes, treatment for low platelet count isn't necessary, particularly in children. In these cases, the bone marrow may make up for the shortage of platelets by producing large numbers of new ones until the initiating cause subsides. Young platelets are especially active in clotting, so even though the total concentration of platelets is low, your child may not experience any bleeding problems and need no special treatment. Mild thrombocytopenia in pregnant women usually improves soon after childbirth.

Medications. For idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, treatment may include medications that block the antibodies that attack platelets, such as corticosteroids, or medications that suppress the immune system to reduce antibody formation, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) or azathioprine (Imuran).
Surgery. Sometimes, removing the spleen (splenectomy) relieves signs and symptoms or helps improve chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura that doesn't respond to corticosteroids.
Blood transfusions and plasma exchange. For severe bleeding, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells. Platelet concentrates are given to treat severe thrombocytopenia, particularly those related to cancer or chemotherapy.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura requires emergency treatment with plasma exchange therapy or therapeutic plasmapheresis. If you have hemolytic uremic syndrome, you may need kidney dialysis in addition to red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

tht is a blood clotting disorder,, due to a low platelet count... can be cause from aplastic anemia, bone marrow cancer and a few other things (less likely) you need a CBC count (blood test) and a PTT Study (clotting factor) early symptoms range from easy bruising to serious nose bleeds,,really bad symptoms are more like serious bruising of the abdomen (internal bleeding) coughing up blood...

it is low platelet count. go see a hematoligist. treatments vary by case.

Thrombocytopenia is a abnormal condition of low blood platelets (thrombocytes) but it isn't an Infectious Disease. Platelets are an essential component in blood coagulation, but not the only component.

If the numbers of platelets is mildly low, usually nothing is done. If the number is moderately low, corticosteroid therapy may be used. If the number is a critical low, platelet transfusion may become necessary and the underlying cause must be determined and treated. Whether or not treatment takes place and the specific form of treatment depends on the lab values, the cause of the thrombocytopenia and the doctor.