Show Medically reviewed by Meredith Goodwin, MD, FAAFP — By Markus MacGill and Adam Rowden — Updated on June 29, 2022 Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. Clotting allows the blood to form plugs in blood vessel injuries to stop blood loss. Thrombocytopenia is the name for a low platelet count. A reduced platelet count in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the ability of the blood to clot. If a person’s blood does not clot, a wound may bleed severely. This can have serious complications in some cases. This article examines the conditions, medications, and substances that can cause a low platelet count. It also outlines how to recognize the symptoms and what to expect from treatment.
Thrombocytopenia is a condition that occurs when the platelet count in a person’s blood is too low. The normal platelet count in adults is 150,000–450,000 platelets per microliter (µl) of blood. A person with thrombocytopenia will have a platelet count below 150,000/µl. Thrombocytopenia may make it difficult for the body to stop bleeding following an injury. Bleeding can occur inside the body, beneath the skin, or at the surface of the skin. People with thrombocytopenia usually do not experience serious bleeding until their platelet count is very low. ITP refers to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, a rare condition that is also known as immune thrombocytopenia. The condition involves bleeding-induced rashes that occur as a result of a low platelet count. Idiopathic means that the cause is not known. In people with ITP, the immune system attacks platelets, which prevents the blood from clotting properly. This can sometimes occur following an infection. There are two main factors that cause a person to have a low platelet count: an underlying health condition or a medication. These factors can lower the platelet count by affecting the production, storage, use, or destruction of platelets. Medical conditions that can cause a low platelet countA low platelet count may occur due to:
Certain medical conditions can also cause a person to have a low platelet count. These include:
Pregnancy may sometimes cause a person to develop mild thrombocytopenia. The exact reason for this is unknown, but it seems to be more common close to delivery. Medications and substances that can cause a low platelet countVarious substances can cause a person to have a low platelet count, including:
If a substance is causing a person’s low platelet count, a doctor may suggest that they stop taking it. Doing so should return the platelet count to normal. If the cause is a drug that a person is taking for a different condition, the prescribing doctor might change the medication. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications that can cause a low platelet count include:
Prescription medications that can cause thrombocytopenia include:
The symptoms of a low platelet count only occur at severely low levels. A count that is only slightly lower than normal may not produce symptoms. If the count is low enough to cause spontaneous bleeding, an individual may notice minor bleeds that create small, round, dark red spots on the skin called petechiae. Several petechiae can merge to form bruise-like rashes called purpura. ITP can also cause the gums or nose to bleed without reason and lead to the presence of blood in the urine or stools. In these cases of ITP, platelet counts are typically below 20,000/µl. Platelets are a crucial component of the blood. They are responsible for repairing tissue damage and play a vital role in the blood-clotting system, helping stop bleeding and heal wounds. Blood clotting is also known as hemostasis. The bone marrow produces platelets, and they are present in a person’s blood and spleen. How do platelets stop bleeding?If damage occurs to the wall of a blood vessel, the vessel exposes a substance that activates platelets. Activated platelets trigger further events that bring in more platelets, and a blood clot starts to form. This serves to plug any leak. Activated platelets also release sticky proteins to help form the clot. A protein known as fibrin forms a mesh of threads that holds the plug together. A platelet count measures the concentration of platelets in the blood. A technician will carry this test out in a laboratory. A normal platelet count is 150,000–450,000 platelets/µl. When the number of platelets is low, this concentration reduces. Females usually experience a platelet count that varies slightly during the menstrual cycle and can fall near the end of pregnancy. The following platelet counts carry the risk of serious bleeding:
To diagnose a low platelet count, a doctor may begin by asking some questions and performing a physical examination. The questions might cover symptoms, family history, and medications. The examination will assess for skin rashes and bruising. A laboratory platelet count will confirm the diagnosis, showing the exact concentration of platelets in the blood. The doctor is likely to perform other blood tests at the same time. These may include:
There are two types of bone marrow tests: a bone marrow aspiration and a bone marrow biopsy. Both tests require a doctor to use a needle to take a sample of the bone marrow for examination. Aspiration involves the collection of a small amount of fluid, whereas a biopsy involves the collection of some soft tissue. A doctor may diagnose thrombocytopenia after ruling out other causes of a low platelet count. Slightly low platelet counts that do not produce symptoms may not require treatment. For platelet counts low enough to cause physical effects, a doctor will address the cause directly. There is a wide range of possible causes. Treatment could involve switching medication or attempting to resolve an underlying medical condition. For cases of ITP, the treatment may involve drugs that suppress the immune system, such as a corticosteroid drug called prednisone. In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary. If there are no increases in platelet count after a year, a surgeon may remove the spleen in a procedure called a splenectomy. People with extremely severe or emergency presentations of low platelet count can receive a transfusion of platelets. People who have a diagnosis of this condition can reduce the risk of complications by:
Anyone who experiences any unusual symptoms or has other concerns should discuss these with a doctor. Platelets are cells in a person’s blood that play an important role in blood clotting. They help form blood clots to stop bleeding and heal wounds. If a person has a low platelet count, called thrombocytopenia, their blood might not clot properly. This can lead to symptoms such as blood loss and bruising. There are many possible causes of a low platelet count, including medical conditions and exposure to certain substances. Substances that can lower a person’s platelet count include some medications, poisonous substances, alcohol, and quinine. Slightly low platelet counts that do not produce symptoms may not require treatment. However, if symptoms are present, treatment may be necessary. The treatment can involve switching medications, reducing exposure to certain substances, or treating the underlying medical condition that is causing the low platelet count. Last medically reviewed on June 29, 2022
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Which complications would the nurse monitor for in a patient who has a platelet count below 100,000
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