This PPT covers pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia which includes causes of thrombocytopenia, symptoms of thrombocytopenia and diagnosis of thrombocytopenia

1. THROMBOCYTOPENIA
PREPARED BY: JEGAN. S. NADAR

2. THROMBOCYTOPENIA
 Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which blood has a lower than normal number of
blood cell fragments called platelets
 A normal platelet count in adults ranges from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per
microliter of blood.
 A platelet count of less than 150,000 platelets per microliter causes
thrombocytopenia
 However, the risk for serious bleeding doesn't occur until the count becomes very
low—less than 10,000 or 20,000 platelets per microliter.
Jegan

3. Many factors can cause a low platelet count, such as:
1. The body's bone marrow doesn't make enough platelets.
2. The bone marrow makes enough platelets, but the body destroys them or
uses them up.
3. The spleen holds on to too many platelets.
4. A combination of the above factors.
Jegan

4. DECREASED PRODUCTION OF PLATELETS
• Platelets are produced in bone marrow.
• If production is low, the person may suffer from thrombocytopenia.
• Factors that can decrease platelet production include:
 Leukemia
 Decreased production of thrombopoeitin
 Viral infections, such as hepatitis C or HIV
 Chemotherapy drugs
 Toxic chemicals-pesticide, benezene, arsenic
 Medicines-chloramphenicol
 Heavy alcohol consumption
Jegan

5. INCREASED BREAKDOWN OF PLATELETS
• Some conditions can cause the body to use up or destroy platelets more rapidly
than they're produced.
• This leads to a shortage of platelets in bloodstream.
• Examples of such conditions include:
Pregnancy.
Thrombocytopenia caused by pregnancy
is usually mild and improves soon after
childbirth
Jegan

6.  Bacteria in the blood.
Severe bacterial infections involving the
blood (bacteremia) may lead to destruction
of platelets
 Autoimmune disease
This type is caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid
arthritis.
The body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys
platelets.
Jegan

7.  Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.
This is a rare condition that occurs when
small blood clots suddenly form throughout
the body, using up large numbers of platelets.
 Medications
Certain medications can reduce the number of platelets in blood. Sometimes a
drug confuses the immune system and causes it to destroy platelets.
Examples include heparin, quinine, sulfa-containing antibiotics and
anticonvulsants.
Jegan

8. TRAPPED PLATELETS IN SPLEEN
 The spleen is a small organ about the size of fist located just below rib cage on the
left side of abdomen.
 Spleen stores about two third of body platelets
 Normally, spleen works to fight infection and filter unwanted material from your
blood.
 An enlarged spleen — which can be caused by a number of disorders may harbor
too many platelets, causing a decrease in the number of platelets in circulation.
Jegan

9. SYMPTOMS
 Easy or excessive bruising (purpura)
 Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-
purple spots , usually on the lower legs.
 Prolonged bleeding from cuts.
 Bleeding from gums or nose.
 Blood in urine or stools.
Jegan

10. DIAGNOSIS
 COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT
 BONE MARROW TEST
Jegan