Thrombocytopenia Groupwork

What is it?

Thrombocytopenia,also called -paenia or thrombopenia for short,is a condition where there are insufficient numbers of platelets in the body.

What causes it?

1)Lack of vitamin B12 or folic acid

2)Leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome

3)Decreased production of thrombopoietin by the liver caused by liver failure

4)Sepsis,systemic viral or bacterial infection

5)Dengue fever,through direct infection of bone marrow megakaryocytes as well as immunological shortened platelet survival

Hereditary syndromes:

6)Congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia (CAMT)

7)Thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome

8)Fanconi anemia

9)Bernard-soulier syndrome, associated with large platelets

10)May Hegglin anomaly, the combination of thrombocytopenia, pale-blue leuckocyte inclusions, and giant platelets

11)Grey platelet syndrome

12)Alport syndrome

Symptoms?

1)Sometimes,there may be bruising,particularly purpura in the forearms,nosebleeds and/or bleeding gums.

2)Sudden onset of petechiae(a small or purple spot caused by bleeding into the skin) and ecchymoses(a discoloration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath,typically caused by bruising)

3)Malaise,fatigue and general weakness(with or without accompanying blood loss)

4)Bleeding(petechiae or ecchymoses),along with slow,continuous bleeding from any injuries or wounds

5)Adults may have large,blood-filled bullae(a bubble-like cavity filled with air or fluid) in the mouth

6)Platelet count between 30 000 and 50 000/mm3:bruising with minor trauma

7)Between 15 000 and 30 000/mm3:spontaneous bruising will be seen(mostly on the arms and legs)

Cures?

Thrombocytopenia cures:

1)Ensuring that the low platelet count is not due to a secondary process is necessary

2)Ensuring that the other cell types like red blood cells and white blood cells are not also suppressed is also important

3)Laboratory tests might include:

Full blood count

Liver enzymes

Renal function

Vitamin B12 levels

Folic acid levels

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Peripheral blood smear

4)If the cause for low platelet count is unclear,bone marrow biopsy is often undertaken,to see if the low platelet count is due due to either decreased production or peripheral destruction

5)Drug-induced: removal of the offending agents should correct the condition

6)Corticosteroids: used to increase platelet production.

7)Lithium carbonate or folate: used to stimulate the bone marrow production of platelets

8)Platelet transfusions: used to stop episodic abnormal bleeding caused by a low platelet count

(if platelet destruction results from an immune disorder, platelet infusions may have only a minimal effect and may be reserved for life-threatening bleeding.)

9)Splenectomy: may be necessary to correct thrombocytopenia caused by platelet destruction (A splenectomy should significantly reduce platelet destruction because the spleen acts as the primary site of platelet removal and antibody production.)

10)(Patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) may require high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin. Patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) will probably require large-volume plasmapheresis (plasma exchange).)

Group Members:

Dionne Choo Tsi Min

Chua Zong Wei

Michelle Loh Wan Ping

Tam Wai Hang

Tang Wen Yue