dc.description | To begin, thrombocytopenia can be defined as a disorder characterized by abnormally low levels of
thrombocytes, commonly known as platelets[1]. Normally, an individual’s platelet count ranges
from 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood[2], therefore, it more accurate to state that
thrombocytopenia is a platelet count below 50,000 per microliter[3]. Moreover, thrombocytopenia
often occurs as a result of a separate disorder, such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Another possibility is that it can be a side effect of taking certain medications[4]. Furthermore it affects
both children and adults[4], and may be inherited or acquired.[5] Thrombocytopenia may be mild
and cause few signs or symptoms. In rare cases, the number of platelets may be so low that dangerous internal bleeding occurs. Treatment options are available.[5] The relevance of thrombocytopenia in the individual patient is variable and depends on the clinical presentation. Because platelets
play an essential role in preserving vessel wall integrity, thrombocytopenia is associated with a defect of primary hemostasis[3]. However, the presence of thrombocytopenia can aggravate surgical
or traumatic bleeding or prevent the administration of effective treatment for several conditions (eg,
antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C virus infection or cancer chemotherapy)[5]. In other situations, a low platelet count is the only initial manifestation of an underlying disorder that poses
greater risks than thrombocytopenia itself or is an important marker of disease activity | en_US |