Thrombocytopenia

Types of Thrombocytopenia

There are several forms of thrombocytopenia, each with its own set of causes and symptoms. Some examples of frequent types are:

• Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP): This thrombocytopenia happens when the immune system destroys platelets by mistake.
• TTP (Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura): TTP is a rare but serious illness that causes blood clots in tiny blood channels which further leads to platelet consumption and decreased platelet count.
• Heparin-Induced Thrombocytopenia (HIT): This type of thrombocytopenia is produced by an immunological response to the blood-thinning drug heparin.
• Drug-Induced Thrombocytopenia: As an adverse effect, some drugs can produce a reduction in platelet count.

What are the causes of Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia can be caused by a number of factors, including:

• Platelet production is reduced in certain medical disorders such as aplastic anaemia, leukaemia, and myelodysplastic syndromes.
• Increased platelet destruction: Autoimmune diseases, in which the body's immune system incorrectly attacks and destroys its own platelets, can result in thrombocytopenia.
• Medications and treatments: As a side effect, several medications, such as some antibiotics or chemotherapy treatments, can induce a reduction in platelet count. Radiation therapy may also potentially have an impact on platelet production.
• Inherited disorders: Some people are predisposed to low platelet counts due to genetic diseases.

How do we diagnose you?

Our comprehensive and individualized approach to diagnosing thrombocytopenia at Surya Hospitals aims to pinpoint the precise underlying reasons and personalize treatment plans for the best outcomes:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC)
• Peripheral Blood Smear
• Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
• Platelet Function Tests
• Blood Smear Examination for Clotting Disorders
• Antiplatelet Antibody Tests
• Hormone Level Tests
• Genetic Testing
• Ultrasound or Imaging Studies
• Platelet Turnover Tests

Treatment

We offer comprehensive thrombocytopenia treatment options at Surya Hospital's Bone Marrow Transplant Department. The specific treatment plan will be determined by the underlying cause, severity, and demands of the individual patient. Among the most prevalent treatment methods are:

• Medicines: Depending on the kind and cause of thrombocytopenia, drugs that encourage platelet synthesis or reduce immune responses that kill platelets may be recommended.
• Platelet transfusions: Platelet transfusions may be used to enhance platelet count in cases of severe thrombocytopenia or during acute bleeding episodes.
• IVIG (intravenous immune globulin): IVIG is a treatment option for immune-mediated thrombocytopenia that works by blocking the immune response that kills platelets.
• Splenectomy: Surgical excision of the spleen may be considered in some circumstances to decrease platelet damage.
• Bone marrow transplant: For people with severe thrombocytopenia and underlying bone marrow diseases, a bone marrow transplant to replace flawed bone marrow with good cells may be explored.