Article Translations: (Spanish)
Thrombocytopenia (throm-buh-sye-tuh-PEE-nee-uh) is when there aren't as many normal platelets in the blood as there should be. Platelets are tiny colorless cells in the blood that help the blood clot. Like all blood cells, platelets are made in the bone marrow (the spongy inner part of bones).
Blood helps the parts of our body work as they should. In this video, learn how blood brings oxygen and nutrients around the body and helps fight off infections.
A child with a platelet count that is only a little low may not have any symptoms. But if the count drops low enough, a child might have one or more of these problems:
The most serious type of bleeding that can happen is bleeding in the brain. Bleeding in or around the brain can't be seen, but it can cause headaches or changes in thinking or behavior.
Many things can cause thrombocytopenia. Some are very serious and need medical treatment. Others are not serious and may clear up on their own with time.
Causes of thrombocytopenia include:
A doctor may suspect thrombocytopenia if a child has:
The doctor will examine the child, ask questions, and order a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
If thrombocytopenia is diagnosed, more tests are done to figure out what's causing it. The tests needed depend on the child's medical history , the exam results, and what the blood test shows.
Sometimes, doctors order a biopsy to get a sample of bone marrow for testing and to check under a microscope.
The treatment for thrombocytopenia depends on:
Sometimes no treatment is needed and the thrombocytopenia clears up on its own. But some types need medical treatment to raise the platelet count to a safer level and to treat the underlying cause.
Thrombocytopenia is usually treated by a hematologist , a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating blood disorders.
Most of the time, thrombocytopenia either goes away on its own or can be treated successfully. But children with a low platelet count should take care to avoid injuries, especially to the head, because of the risk of bleeding.
If your child has thrombocytopenia, the doctor will tell you which activities are safe and which to avoid. Your child also shouldn't take medicines that contain ibuprofen (such as Motrin or Advil) or aspirin because these can increase the risk of bleeding.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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