Blood platelets function to promote the clotting of the blood immediately after an injury. Thrombocytopenia refers to lower blood platelet count. The normal platelet count of the blood is in the range of 150,000-450,000 per micro liter of blood. Platelet count of below 150,000 is termed as thrombocytopenia. If the platelet count falls to 10,000 or 20,000 due to any reason, the person may experience severe bleeding upon an injury or nose bleeding, vaginal bleeding and may even vomit blood.

Platelets are produced in the bone marrow. Destruction of platelet cells is a normal process and replaced by newer cells. But, sometimes it is possible that the platelets are destroyed at a rate faster than the rate of production. This is mostly due to infection and this type of thrombocytopenia is termed as idiopathic thrombocytopenia. Another type of thrombocytopenia is pregnancy related thrombocytopenia which is seen in about 7-8 percent of pregnant women. However, the risk in pregnant women can be reduced with cesarean delivery. Lower blood count can also be due to leukemia, aplastic anemia, deficiency of folic acid and certain type of medication. Thrombocytopenia that is associated with HIV, a serious viral infection is very serious and the use of azidothymidine for treatment is under consideration.

Examination of the blood reveals the platelet count. Idiopathic thrombocytopenia can be revealed by analyzing the white blood cell count of the blood. Incapability of the bone marrow to produce platelets is more serious than the idiopathic type.

Treatment of thrombocytopenia involves the use of steroids, and in more severe cases platelet transfusion is preferred. However, mild cases do not need any treatment. At the time of treatment, it is recommended to take complete rest and the patient is supposed to recover within a period of eight weeks. Even after treatment, it is recommended to avoid trauma for a certain period of time so as to allow the body to completely rejuvenate from platelet loss. It is possible that some severe cases of idiopathic thrombocytopenia do not respond to steroid drugs. In such cases surgical removal of spleen helps to obtain relief from thrombocytopenia. If thrombocytopenia accompanies hemolytic uremic disease of the kidneys, it is essential to perform kidney dialysis in addition to blood transfusion.

During the recovery period, it is recommended to consume proper balanced diet rich in iron so as to prevent other infections. If the thrombocytopenia is due to medications, reduce the use of medications under the guidance of a physician. It is recommended to take rest and protect you from trauma during the period of medication withdrawing.

Thus, with the above information take appropriate action by consulting a physician to avoid severe damages such as death. In worst cases the damage is irreversible and results in death. If you suffer from thrombocytopenia by birth, make sure that you should avoid hurting yourself. For appropriate treatment of thrombocytopenia, it is essential to distinguish from bleeding that result due to deficiency of certain blood clotting factors and vitamin K. Thus, it is essential to contact a physician if you notice any abnormal bleeding.

Rick Missimer

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