Platelet levels are low in people with thrombocytopenia. Platelets help in blood clotting (stop bleeding). You may bruise and bleed excessively if your platelet levels are low. The condition can be caused by certain cancers, cancer treatments, medications, and autoimmune diseases. When the underlying cause is addressed, platelet levels frequently improve. For thrombocytopenia treatment in India, doctors may prescribe medications, recommend blood or platelet transfusions, and, in rare cases, a splenectomy to remove the spleen partially or completely. Because thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder, only a hematologist can treat it. A complete blood count (CBC) test, which involves taking blood…
Platelet levels are low in people with thrombocytopenia. Platelets help in blood clotting (stop bleeding). You may bruise and bleed excessively if your platelet levels are low. The condition can be caused by certain cancers, cancer treatments, medications, and autoimmune diseases. When the underlying cause is addressed, platelet levels frequently improve. For thrombocytopenia treatment in India, doctors may prescribe medications, recommend blood or platelet transfusions, and, in rare cases, a splenectomy to remove the spleen partially or completely.
Because thrombocytopenia is a blood disorder, only a hematologist can treat it. A complete blood count (CBC) test, which involves taking blood from a blood vessel in the arm, reveals the existence of thrombocytopenia.
In comparison to other countries, the cost of thrombocytopenia treatment in India is low. The total cost of treating a patient with low platelets may depend on various transitional factors. This treatment is widely available in almost all hospitals across India.
What Is Thrombocytopenia?
When your blood platelet count is low, you have thrombocytopenia. Platelets are also referred to as thrombocytes. This type of blood cell clumps together to form blood clots, which help in the halting of blood at the site of a cut or wound. A blood clot is also known as a thrombus.
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces all blood cells, including platelets, is known as bone marrow. Thrombocytopenia occurs when a person’s platelets are grossly inadequate to form a blood clot. If you get a cut or another type of injury, you may bleed excessively, which can be difficult to stop.
There are three types of thrombocytopenia:
- Platelet destruction, such as with an auto-antibody that binds to the platelet surface.
- Platelet sequestration, as in someone with a large spleen or liver disease.
- Platelet production is reduced in bone marrow diseases.
People of all ages, races, and genders can be affected by thrombocytopenia. Approximately 5% of pregnant women develop mild thrombocytopenia right before childbirth for unknown reasons. Thrombocytopenia can be caused by a bone marrow disorder like leukemia or an immune system disorder. It could also be a side effect of certain medications. It has an impact on both children and adults.
Thrombocytopenia can be mild, resulting in few signs and symptoms. In rare cases, the platelet count can fall so low that dangerous internal bleeding occurs. There are treatment options available.
What Are the Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia?
The severity of the symptoms of thrombocytopenia is usually determined by the underlying cause and can range from mild to severe. Some people may not experience serious symptoms, whereas others may experience severe bleeding, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
Low platelet count symptoms include:
- Gum bleeding
- Blood in the faeces or urine
- Heavy menstrual flow
- Vomiting of blood
- Bleeding in the rectum
- Internal bruising
- Rashes with red or purple dots known as Petechiae
- Red, brown, or purple bruise marks also known as Purpura
- Even more serious symptoms, such as brain bleeding can occur
- Fatigue
- Enlarged Spleen
Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any thrombocytopenia symptoms. Bleeding that won’t stop is a medical emergency. Seek immediate assistance if bleeding cannot be controlled using standard first-aid techniques, such as applying pressure to the area.
What Are the Causes of Thrombocytopenia?
Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or passed down from parent to child in rare cases. A low platelet count is more commonly caused by certain disorders, conditions, and medications. These are some instances:
- Alcoholism and alcohol use disorder
- ITP is caused by an autoimmune disease. ITP is sometimes linked to other autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
- Aplastic anemia, leukemia, certain lymphomas, and myelodysplastic syndromes are all examples of bone marrow diseases.
- Different cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Cirrhosis of the liver, also known as Gaucher disease, causes an enlarged spleen. Platelets and other blood cells are trapped in the enlarged spleen, preventing them from circulating in the bloodstream.
- Toxic chemical exposure, such as arsenic, benzene, and pesticides.
- Antibiotics for bacterial infections, epilepsy, and heart problems, as well as the blood thinner heparin.
- Viruses like hepatitis C, CMV, EBV, and HIV
How Is Thrombocytopenia Diagnosed?
If you have difficult-to-stop bleeding or other signs of thrombocytopenia, your healthcare provider may do the following:
- Physical examination: The healthcare provider will go over your family and medical history. You’ll talk about the medications you’re taking. In addition, your doctor will look for bruises, rashes (petechiae), and an enlarged spleen or liver.
- Blood count: A complete blood count (CBC) measures platelet, white and red blood cell levels.
- Blood clot test: It determines how long it takes blood to clot. The partial thromboplastin time (PTT) and prothrombin time (PT) are two of these tests (PT).
If your platelet count is low, your doctor may order additional tests to determine the causes of thrombocytopenia, such as:
- Biopsy of bone marrow: Taking a sample of bone marrow can aid in the diagnosis of bone marrow diseases or cancer.
- Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or CT scans can detect an enlarged spleen, enlarged lymph nodes, or liver cirrhosis.