Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia): Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis |
Posted: August 13, 2020 |
Blood has three major components, namely red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets also known as thrombocytes. These cells float in a liquid called plasma. In case of an injury, the platelets clump together to form clots and stop the bleeding. When the individual’s body does not have enough platelets, it can result in excessive bleeding. A low platelet count is also be called thrombocytopenia.
Symptoms Some of the common symptoms of a low platelet count can be:
One may experience these symptoms depending on how low their platelet count is. Causes There are majorly two causes of low platelet count:
Bone marrow is where all the components of blood are produced. If the bone marrow is not producing enough platelets, it may lead to thrombocytopenia. Some common reasons for low platelet production are:
Other than this, a low platelet count can also be a result of the body destroying too may platelets. This can be a side effect of certain medications or a symptom of:
Diagnosis Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed using three diagnosis methods: Blood tests A usual PLT blood test is carried out to determine the platelet count in one’s body. Normally, fthe platelet count should range between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per mL blood. Ultrasound An ultrasound may help in the identification of a condition called hypersplenism that causes thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy A bone marrow aspiration can help in the diagnosis of conditions like leukaemia, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, anaemia, and pancytopenia that may result in thrombocytopenia. Also, a bone marrow biopsy may help in the diagnosis of various conditions like myelofibrosis or myelodysplastic syndrome, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, polycythaemia, hemochromatosis, and cancers of the bone marrow or blood. To ensure proper treatment of the problem, one must ensure that they get the condition diagnosed properly. Thus, it is advised that one should only opt for the best diagnostic centre in Gurgaon, Delhi, or Noida for these pathology tests.
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