Thrombocytopenia is varcharacterized by the decrease in the circulating number of platelet cells in the blood. Platelets control bleeding by plugging any small breaks that occur in the walls of blood vessels. With thrombocytopenia, and the decrease number of platelets, there is a tendency to bleed, particularly from the smaller blood vessels. The result is abnormal bleeding into the skin and other body parts. There are many forms of thrombocytopenia, including idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Causes of Thrombocytopenia
Causes are: congenital, decreased or defective production of platelets in the marrow, and unknown (idiopathic).
Signs and Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia
Symptoms are: petechiae (small round, nonraised, purple-red spots on the skin), bruising tendency, bleeding in the mouth, nosebleeds, heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, and blood in the urine.
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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008
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