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Thrombocytopenia: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Thrombocytopenia

Definition

What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a platelet disorder that occurs due to low levels of platelets — also known as platelets — in your body.

Platelets are blood cells that are produced in large cells located in the spinal cord (megakaryocytes). Platelets play a role in the blood clotting process so that the body is protected from excessive bleeding.

Normal platelet levels in the blood are 150,000-450,000 pieces per microliter of blood (mcL). If you have a low platelet level, it can cause some mild signs or symptoms.

If the platelet count falls far enough to be very low (below 10,000 or 20,000 mcL), it can have fatal consequences, as can the risk of internal or external bleeding.

Meanwhile, another type of platelet disorder, thrombocytosis, occurs when the platelet count in the body is too high to exceed 450,000 mcL.

For some people, low platelet levels may experience symptoms such as heavy bleeding and can be fatal. However, some others may not experience any symptoms.

Usually, a decreased platelet count is the result of certain medical conditions, such as leukemia, dengue fever, or the consumption of certain medications.

How common is this condition?

Thrombocytopenia is a fairly common condition and can happen to anyone, be it children or adults.

Generally, this condition is a disorder that is passed down by family members. Additionally, thrombocytopenia is a condition that tends to occur in people with certain health conditions, such as cancer, anemia, and autoimmune diseases.

To find out if you are at risk for decreased platelets, you should discuss it with your doctor.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

The symptoms and signs of thrombocytopenia usually depend on how low the platelet count is in your blood.

If the platelet count drops to 10 thousand-50 thousand microliter (mcL), it means you have mild thrombocytopenia. This condition will usually cause internal bleeding such as bruising or hematoma.

Meanwhile, if the body lacks platelets to below 10,000 mcL, this can cause signs such as purpura (bruising on the skin), sudden bleeding, and petechiae (small spots on the skin).

Some of the possible common features of low platelets are as follows:

  • The presence of purpura, or bruising on the skin that is marked with a reddish, purple, or even brown color.
  • There is a rash with small dots that are usually red or purple in color called petechiae. Usually found on the lower leg
  • Nosebleed
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bleeding from a wound that lasts a long time and doesn’t stop on its own
  • Heavy bleeding during menstruation
  • Bleeding from the rectum
  • Fatigue

In more serious cases, you may bleed internally. Signs of internal bleeding include:

  • The presence of blood in the stool
  • The presence of blood in the urine
  • Vomits blood with a very dark blood color

Tell your doctor right away if you experience the signs above. The doctor will usually perform blood tests and take the necessary steps to avoid complications.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any signs or symptoms above or any other questions, please consult your doctor.

Everyone’s body is different. Always consult a doctor to treat your health condition.

What are the health complications of low platelets?

Fatal bleeding can occur if your platelet count falls below 10,000 per microliter. Here are some of the complications that can result if the platelets drop quite a lot:

  • Excessive blood loss, both internal and outside the body (external)
  • Anemia
  • The immune system is compromised, so the body is more susceptible to infection
  • Risk of bleeding in the brain

Cause

What causes thrombocytopenia?

The cause of thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count. Normally, platelets are produced in the spinal cord. However, in thrombocytopenia patients, the spinal cord is unable to produce enough platelets.

In addition, low platelet levels can also be caused by the number of damaged blood plates (platelets) and the body being unable to produce new ones.

There are many things that cause the level of platelets in the blood to drop. This condition can be caused by heredity or other medical problems, such as an illness.

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, some of the triggers and causes of thrombocytopenia are:

1. Reduced platelet production

The spinal cord is a spongy tissue that is found inside bones. In it, there is stem cells (stem cells) which become the embryo of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.

When stem cells are damaged, the body ends up unable to produce healthy blood cells. This results in thrombocytopenia.

Certain health conditions can make stem cells damaged and unable to develop, namely:

  • Cancer
  • Chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment
  • Aplastic anemia
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Cirrhosis of the liver
  • Certain medications, such as aspirin, diuretics, and ibuprofen
  • Excessive alcohol consumption
  • Myelodysplasia syndrome (preleukemia)
  • Viral infection
  • Lack of nutrients, such as vitamin B12, folate, and iron

2. The body destroys its own platelets

One of the causes of decreased platelets is the body that damages the platelets itself. This usually occurs due to problems with the body’s immune system, certain drugs, to suffering from rare diseases.

Some of the health conditions and actions that can cause the body to damage its own platelets are:

3. Platelet buildup in the spleen

Usually, as much as one third of the platelets in the body are retained in the spleen. If the spleen is swollen, the platelet levels in it will increase. This causes a decrease in platelets flowing in the blood.

Swelling of the spleen is generally caused by cancer or disease of the liver. In addition, a problem with the spinal cord or myelofibrosis can trigger this condition.

Risk factors

What are the factors that increase my risk of developing this condition?

There are several factors that increase your risk of developing thrombocytopenia, including:

  • Certain health problems associated with cancer, aplastic anemia or the autoimmune system
  • Exposure to toxic chemicals
  • Side effects of certain drugs
  • Viral infection
  • Heredity
  • Pregnant women
  • Drinking alcohol often

To overcome or prevent thrombocytopenia, you can reduce the various risk factors that exist. Consult with your doctor for more information.

Diagnosis and treatment

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How do doctors diagnose this condition?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition that requires a complete medical examination by a medical professional. Therefore, if you start to feel the signs and symptoms, immediately check with the nearest health service.

The diagnosis will usually begin with the doctor performing a physical exam to check for symptoms, such as bruising and spots on the skin. The doctor will also examine your stomach to see if there is swelling of the spleen or liver.

You may also be checked for signs of infection, such as fever. In addition, the doctor will also ask about your medical history, health conditions, and medications that you are currently taking.

What are the treatment options for thrombocytopenia?

Treatment of thrombocytopenia depends on the cause and severity. The main goal of treatment is to prevent complications and disabilities due to bleeding, which can lead to death.

Thrombocytopenia that is mild in nature will generally improve if the main cause can be addressed. So, doctors will not provide special treatment.

If the symptoms you are experiencing are getting worse and the platelet levels in your blood are far below normal limits, your doctor will recommend several types of treatment and measures, such as:

  • Treatment with corticosteroids and immunoglobulins
  • Platelet transfusions
  • Splenectomy or surgical removal of the spleen

Prevention

Are there any lifestyle changes or home remedies that can help with thrombocytopenia?

Here are lifestyle and home remedies that can help you raise the low platelet level in the blood:

  • Avoid injury from activities or sports
  • Limit alcohol consumption
  • Be careful with over-the-counter medicines to avoid dangerous side effects.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) – Mayo Clinic. (2020). Retrieved August 13, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/thrombocytopenia/symptoms-causes/syc-20378293

Thrombocytopenia – MedlinePlus. (2018). Retrieved August 13, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000586.htm

Thrombocytopenia – National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (nd). Retrieved August 13, 2021, from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/thrombocytopenia

Sigal, S., Mitchell, O., Feldman, D., & Diakow, M. (2020). The pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease. Hepatic Medicine: Evidence and Research. http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/HMER.S74612

Bryan, J., Jabbour, E., Prescott, H., & Kantarjian, H. (2010). Thrombocytopenia in Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Seminars In Hematology, 47 (3), 274-280. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.seminhematol.2010.02.006