[Pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia. 2. Distribution disorders, pseudo-thrombocytopenias]

A review of the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenias is given. The various types of thrombocytopenia are classified according to the main pathogenetic mechanisms such as reduced platelet production, increased platelet destruction and disturbed platelet distribution by splenic pooling. Finally thrombocytopenia by artefacts is discussed such as platelet satillitism and spontaneous aggregation. In the second part of the paper the differential diagnosis of several forms of thrombocytopenic purpura is presented.