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Thrombocytopenia.

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Submitted By klair4u
Words 737
Pages 3
Diamond Blanco-Benitez
Brandford Hall Career Institute
Ms. Atilies
Phlebotomy
Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia? When people hear or even look at this word am sure they are just as clueless as I was which is why I decided to begin my research on this topic to figure out what exactly it was, and what causes it. “Based on (www.dictionary.com) Thrombocytopenia is defined as the condition in which your blood has low fragments called platelets which cause bleeding into the tissues, bruising and slow blood clotting after injury. Platelets are made in your bone marrow along with other kinds of blood cells. They travel through your blood vessels and stick together (clot) to stop any bleeding that may happen if a blood vessel is damaged. What causes thrombocytopenia? When your blood has few platelets, mild to serious bleeding can occur. Bleeding can occur inside your body (internal bleeding) or under the skin (external bleeding). Many factors can cause thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), it can be either inherited or acquired. In general, low platelet count occurs because the body’s bone marrow doesn’t make enough platelets. The bone marrow is a sponge like tissue inside the bones, containing stem cells that develop into RBC, WBC and platelets. When the stem cells are damaged they don't grow into healthy blood cells, causing many conditions and factors to damage the stem cells. Another cause is when the bone marrow makes enough platelets, but the body destroys or uses them up. A low platelet count can occur even if the bone marrow makes enough platelets. The body may destroy its own platelets due to autoimmune diseases, certain medicines, infections, surgery, pregnancy and smoother conditions that cause too much blood clotting. Finally if the spleen holds on to too many platelets can be another cause of thrombocytopenia. Usually, one third of the body's platelets are held in the spleen. If the spleen is enlarged, it will hold on to too many platelets. This means that not enough platelets will circulate in the blood. A normal platelet count in adults ranges from150, 000to 450,000per microliter of blood. If a platelet count is less than150, 000 you have thrombocytopenia. Signs and symptoms related to thrombocytopenia include easy or excessive bruising, superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint sized reddish purple spots usually on the lower legs, prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in urine or stools, unusually heavy menstrual flows, fatigue, enlarged spleen and jaundice. (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/topics, thcp/causes) The risk with Thrombocytopenia is spontaneous bleeding. Patients who present this disease are usually ill and require urgent attention. How long thrombocytopenia lasts depends on its cause. It can typically last from days to years depending on its cause. Treatments for this condition can depend on its cause and severity. Mild thrombocytopenia often docent require treatment. Treatments can include blood or platelets transfusions, medications, and surgery and plasma exchange. If your doctor can identify a condition, or medication causing your thrombocytopenia, addressing the cause may clear up your thrombocytopenia. If your platelet level becomes low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets. Doctors usually use a combination of physical examination, to past medical history, and laboratory testing to diagnose this disorder. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor can prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first choice is usually a drug called (corticosteroid). If this doesn’t work he or she may try a stronger medication to suppress your immune system. If other treatment options don't help, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy). Many causes of thrombocytopenia cannot be prevented. Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol can lower your risk of developing alcohol related thrombocytopenia. If your doctor determined that you are at risk of developing this condition, he or she may tell you not to take aspirin, because aspirin impairs platelet function. Thrombocytopenia can be fatal, especially if the bleedings severe or occurs in the brain. However the overall look for people who have the condition is good, especially if the cause of low platelet count is found and treated. This is especially true if the cause can be identified and removed. Long term management of the conditions is often successful. Woman and unfortunately little children are prone to this disease.

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