thrombocytopenia
Last edited 10/2019 and last reviewed 07/2023
Thrombocytopaenia is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood - it reduces the ability of the blood to clot and is thus a bleeding diathesis. It is defined as a platelet count less than 100 x 10^9/L (<100,000 per cubic mm).
In addition, it is important to consider also the causes of apparent thrombocytopaenia - i.e. conditions where there is platelet dysfunction.
Neonatal thrombocytopaenia has a modified differential diagnosis.
A suggested management of low platelet count in adults (1):
Reference:
- NHS Camden CCG. Abnormal FBC guidance - for adults (Accessed 30/10/19)
clinical features of a platelet disorder
investigations in primary care
referral criteria from primary care - thrombocytopaenia (thrombocytopenia)
thrombocytopaenia in pregnancy
NICE - indication for platelet transfusions if low platelets (thrombocytopaenia)