Thrombocytopenia is a condition that affects your blood and how well it clots. When platelet levels are low, you may bruise easily or bleed more than usual after an injury.
At Banner Health, our specialists diagnose and treat conditions that affect platelet levels and blood clotting. If you have symptoms of thrombocytopenia or a low platelet count, we can help identify the cause and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist to get an evaluation.
Thrombocytopenia means you have a low number of platelets in your blood. Platelets are small cell fragments that help form blood clots and stop bleeding when you are injured.
When you cut yourself or get hurt, platelets gather at the site of the injury and form a clot. This clot helps stop bleeding while your body begins to heal.
If you have thrombocytopenia, your body may not have enough platelets to form clots properly. As a result, you may bruise easily, bleed longer after injuries or experience other bleeding symptoms. In severe cases, thrombocytopenia can lead to dangerous internal bleeding.
In healthy people, blood typically contains 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.
Thrombocytopenia occurs when platelet levels fall below 150,000 platelets per microliter.
Health care providers often classify thrombocytopenia based on platelet count:
The lower the platelet count, the greater the risk of bleeding complications.
A low platelet count can develop when your body doesn’t produce enough platelets, destroys them too quickly or stores too many in the spleen.
Common causes include:
Your bone marrow produces blood cells, including platelets. Conditions such as leukemia, aplastic anemia or other bone marrow diseases can reduce platelet production.
Some medications can lower platelet levels, including chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics and certain blood thinners.
Viral infections such as hepatitis, COVID-19 and the flu can temporarily lower platelet counts.
Conditions such as lupus or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets.
Some women develop mild thrombocytopenia during pregnancy. This usually improves after delivery.
Heavy alcohol use can interfere with platelet production in the bone marrow.
The spleen normally stores platelets. If it becomes enlarged, it may trap too many platelets and reduce the number circulating in your blood.
You may have a higher risk of thrombocytopenia if you have:
Some people with mild thrombocytopenia have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they usually involve bleeding or bruising.
Symptoms may include:
Severe thrombocytopenia can increase the risk of internal bleeding, including bleeding in the brain or digestive tract.
Seek medical care right away if you experience unusual bleeding, severe headaches, confusion or other concerning symptoms.
Because thrombocytopenia can occur for many different reasons, providers often use several tests to determine the cause.
Your provider may recommend:
A CBC measures the number of platelets and other blood cells in your blood.
This test examines your blood under a microscope to evaluate platelet number, size and shape.
Bone marrow testing can determine whether your body is producing enough platelets.
Other blood tests may help identify infections, autoimmune diseases or clotting disorders. Providers may also evaluate for rare but serious causes, such as disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Your provider will also review your medical history, medications and symptoms to help identify the cause of your low platelet count.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of thrombocytopenia. Mild cases may not require treatment and may simply be monitored.
Treatment options may include:
Drugs that calm the immune system may be used to treat immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).
Platelet transfusions may be used if platelet counts are dangerously low or if severe bleeding occurs.
IVIG can help raise platelet counts quickly in certain immune-related conditions.
This treatment may be used for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare but life-threatening blood disorder.
Managing infections, liver disease, cancer or other conditions may improve platelet levels.
In some cases, removing the spleen may help increase platelet counts if the spleen is trapping too many platelets.
Many people with thrombocytopenia can live full and active lives with proper care and monitoring.
These tips may help reduce bleeding risk:
Working closely with your health care team can help you manage thrombocytopenia and reduce complications.
If you have symptoms of a low platelet count or have been diagnosed with thrombocytopenia, Banner Health’s specialists are here to help.
Our team can identify the cause of your condition and guide you through testing, treatment and ongoing care.
Schedule an appointment with a Banner Health specialist to get the answers and care you need.
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