Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count below 150,000 platelets per microlitre of blood. Below 50,000 they are likely to be symptomatic and show signs of bruising with minor trauma.
ITP is the most common cause of low platelets and is an autoimmune condition. Blood tests are useful in determining the cause of thrombocytopenia including a coagulation screen, B12, folate & LFTs in particular should be checked.
Clinicians should consider the possible diagnosis of HIT / HITT (Heparin induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome) as a cause of thromboctyopenia. In this case stopping heparin is advocated with cover of other anticoagulants (not warfarin).
ITP is the most common cause of low platelets and is an autoimmune condition. Blood tests are useful in determining the cause of thrombocytopenia including a coagulation screen, B12, folate & LFTs in particular should be checked.
Clinicians should consider the possible diagnosis of HIT / HITT (Heparin induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis syndrome) as a cause of thromboctyopenia. In this case stopping heparin is advocated with cover of other anticoagulants (not warfarin).