[Thrombocytopenia]

Thrombocytopenia means low platelet count. This is the most frequent cause of bleeding abnormalities. Petechias, purpuras, mucosal bleeding are typical clinical findings. Severe, even life threatening gastrointestinal or intracranial bleeding may also occur. Diagnostic laboratory finding is the prolonged bleeding time. There are several causes of thrombocytopenia. The major mechanisms for a reduced platelet count are decreased production and increased destruction of platelets, or both. The major task is to reveal the underlying cause. Examination of the bone marrow and the peripheral blood smear can be helpful as well as special diagnostics of the assumed disease. Therapy targets the underlying disease, and also involves platelet transfusion. However, in case of diseases with increased platelet activation and consumption, platelet transfusion is contraindicated because it may lead to aggravation of the pathologic process.