What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which the platelet count in the blood falls below normal levels. Platelets are smaller structures than red blood cells that enable blood clotting and control bleeding. In a healthy individual, there are between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. When this value drops below the normal range, thrombocytopenia occurs, and the risk of bleeding increases. While symptoms may be subtle in mild cases, severe thrombocytopenia can lead to bleeding and life-threatening conditions.

Thrombocytopenia can arise from many different causes. One of the most common is a decrease in the number of platelets produced in the bone marrow. This may occur in cases such as bone marrow cancer, bone marrow suppression, or bone marrow disorders.

In some situations, platelet destruction may increase. In this case, the immune system perceives platelets as foreign substances and attempts to destroy them. This may result from autoimmune diseases, infections, or as a side effect of certain medications.

The bone marrow is the primary site where platelets are produced. Bone marrow problems can lead to reduced platelet production. These include:

• Leukemia or Other Blood Cancers: Cancerous cells may suppress the bone marrow, resulting in decreased platelet production.
• Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy: These treatments can affect the bone marrow and reduce platelet production.
• Aplastic Anemia: A condition in which the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient blood cells, leading to thrombocytopenia.

In some cases, the body breaks down platelets too quickly, leading to a decrease in their blood levels. The following conditions can increase platelet destruction:

• Immune System Disorders: Autoimmune diseases may cause the immune system to mistakenly destroy platelets.
• Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP): Platelets accumulate in small blood vessels, reducing their circulating levels.
• Medications: Certain antibiotics and blood thinners such as heparin may lead to thrombocytopenia.

The spleen normally filters blood and removes aging blood cells. However, conditions that cause enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) may lead to platelets being trapped in the spleen, resulting in reduced platelet levels in the bloodstream.

• Viral Infections (Hepatitis C, HIV, Epstein-Barr)
• Pregnancy (gestational thrombocytopenia)
• Alcohol Use leading to bone marrow suppression

Trombositopeni çoğu zaman belirti vermeden, rutin kan testlerinde ortaya çıkar. Ancak trombosit sayısının belirgin şekilde azalması, kanın pıhtılaşma kapasitesini düşürür ve çeşitli semptomlara yol açabilir. Bunlar arasında:

• Ciltte Morluklar (Ekimoz): Küçük darbeler sonrası bile kolayca morarma gelişebilir.
• Kanamalar: Burun kanamaları, diş eti kanamaları, adet kanamalarının normalden uzun sürmesi.
• Peteşi: Deri altında toplu iğne başı büyüklüğünde, kırmızı-mor noktalar.
• Yoğun Yorgunluk: Kan kaybına veya eşlik eden kansızlığa bağlı halsizlik.
• Kanamanın Zor Durması: Küçük yaralanmalar veya cerrahi işlemler sonrası uzun süren kanamalar.

The diagnosis of thrombocytopenia is generally made through laboratory tests and physical examination. The main methods used in diagnosis are:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): Used to determine the platelet level in the blood.
• Peripheral Blood Smear: Examines the structure and distribution of blood cells under a microscope.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: Can be performed to understand the source of platelet production problems.
• Additional Tests: May be conducted to check for infections such as Hepatitis C or HIV.

The treatment of thrombocytopenia may vary depending on the underlying causes. If there is a disease causing thrombocytopenia, treating that disease can also normalize platelet counts. However, if a rapid increase in platelet count is required, doctors usually prescribe medications such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants.

Additionally, platelet transfusion can be performed to increase platelet counts. In this procedure, platelets are taken from a healthy donor and given to the person with thrombocytopenia. However, platelet transfusion should only be performed in emergencies and when platelet counts are very low.

It is not possible to prevent some diseases that cause thrombocytopenia. However, certain measures can help maintain platelet levels. For example, regularly having blood tests and adopting a healthy lifestyle can help preserve platelet counts.

Additionally, it is important to consult your doctor to avoid side effects from medications that may cause thrombocytopenia. If you have a condition that leads to thrombocytopenia, following your doctor’s recommended treatment plan can also help maintain platelet levels.

At A Life Health Group, our expert team is by your side in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders such as thrombocytopenia. With modern technologies and our multidisciplinary approach, we offer comprehensive solutions for your health. If you are observing symptoms of thrombocytopenia or want to obtain information on this topic, you can contact our specialist doctors.