Thrombocytopenia

Diagnosis

To determine whether you have thrombocytopenia, your healthcare professional will review your symptoms, medical history, and medications. The following tests and exams are commonly used:

Blood test: A complete blood count measures the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a blood sample. Your healthcare professional may compare current results with past tests.

Blood smear: A laboratory test examines a blood sample under a microscope to count platelets. Specialists check for clumping, irregularities, and other abnormalities in blood cells.

Physical exam: Your healthcare professional looks for signs of bleeding under the skin, gums, or mouth lining. They may examine the size and tenderness of the spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

Additional tests and procedures may be recommended based on your symptoms to determine the cause of thrombocytopenia.

Treatment

Mild cases of thrombocytopenia may not require treatment. More serious cases are managed depending on the cause and risk of complications.

Treating the underlying cause may include:

• Stopping a medicine likely causing thrombocytopenia
• Treating an underlying disease, such as an infection or cancer

Other treatments may involve:

Medicines: Corticosteroids or other drugs may be used to control immune system activity if the condition is immune-related.

Platelet transfusions: Donor platelets are delivered through a vein to increase platelet counts, especially when levels are very low.

Plasma exchange: For severe clotting risks, blood circulates through a machine that removes plasma and replaces it with donor plasma or a plasma substitute, then returns the blood to the body.

Surgery: A splenectomy may be performed to remove an enlarged or diseased spleen, or if other treatments do not improve platelet counts.