What is thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which your platelets (also called thrombocytes) are low in number, which can result in bleeding problems. Platelets are a type of blood cell which are important for helping blood to clot. When you cut yourself and the wound bleeds, platelets clump together at the site of the wound to stop the bleeding.

Platelets may be low in number if there is not enough of them being made, if they are being destroyed or if they are being trapped in the spleen. The spleen is an organ that acts as a filter of your blood and sits in your abdomen, under the ribs on the left.

Thrombocytopenia is more common in children than adults but it is still very rare. In children it usually goes away by itself. In many adults it does not get better but it usually does not need any treatment.

What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

People with thrombocytopenia can:

• bruise easily
• have nose bleeds or bleeding gums
• have pinpoint bleeding in the skin that looks like a rash (known as petechiae)
• have cuts that keep bleeding
• feel tired

In rare cases, dangerous internal bleeding may occur.

If you are worried that you or your child has thrombocytopenia, visit your doctor.

For bleeding that won’t stop, go to your local emergency department or call triple zero (000).

What causes thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopaenia may be due to:

• idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), which is more common in children — idiopathic means the cause is not known.
• pregnancy
• medications
• cancers, such as leukaemia, or cancer treatments including chemotherapy
• infections
• an enlarged spleen

How is thrombocytopenia diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and probably order blood tests. If you have thrombocytopenia, blood tests show a low platelet count.

You may have other tests to investigate the cause of the thrombocytopenia, and your doctor may refer you to a specialist.

How is thrombocytopenia treated?

Depending on the cause and severity of the thrombocytopenia, treatments may include:

• watching and waiting, as thrombocytopenia often gets better by itself
• treating the cause, for example, treating an underlying cancer, or stopping medications that can cause thrombocytopenia
• steroids to boost platelet numbers

In more severe cases, you may need:

• platelet transfusion
• intravenous immunoglobulin (a type of blood transfusion)
• surgery to remove the spleen

You may also have to:

• avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin or ibuprofen
• avoid activities that may result in injury
• avoid alcohol as it can affect platelet production

During treatment, you will need regular blood tests and reviews with your doctor.