Thrombocytopenia

A hematologic disorder characterized by a persistently reduced circulating platelet count (<150 × 10⁹/L), resulting in impaired primary hemostasis and increased risk of mucocutaneous and internal bleeding.

Causes

• Decreased platelet production

  • Bone marrow malignancy

  • Bone marrow failure

  • Chemotherapy

  • Radiotherapy

  • Toxic chemical exposure (e.g., benzene)

  • Nutritional deficiencies: Vitamin B12, folate, iron

  • Alcohol abuse

• Increased platelet destruction

  • Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)

  • Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

  • Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

  • Infections: HIV, sepsis

  • Preeclampsia

  • HELLP syndrome

  • Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)

  • Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

• Platelet sequestration

  • Splenomegaly

  • Portal hypertension with hypersplenism

• Dilutional causes: Massive blood transfusion or fluid resuscitation

• Congenital platelet disorders