THROMBOCYTOPENIA AND
THROMBOCYTOSIS
In thrombocytopenia there is reduced platelet production. The
clotting time may be only slightly prolonged but the clot formed is soft and
does not retract. The condition can result from many diseases where bone marrow
does not produce enough platelets, or where they become entrapped in an
enlarged spleen and destroyed, or is caused by some drugs. The symptoms of
thrombocytopenia include bleeding in the skin, pinpoint bruises, bleeding gums
and it can be life threatening. Suspected thrombocytopenia can be investigated
by platelet counts, assessing the size of the spleen and by bone marrow biopsy.
Treatments would be cessation of drugs, if that is the cause, and by
transfusions of platelets.
In thrombocytosis, in contrast, there is a high platelet count
and an increased chance of thrombosis. The condition can be primary, myeloproliferative
disease, or secondary, for example following splenectomy or some other
operations, bleeding following extreme exercise or by inflammatory diseases.
Clinically patients present with bleeding disorders. The usual treatments are
to give antiplatelet agents, such as aspirin or dipyridamole.
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