It is not the platelet count but the clinical aspect, whether or not there is a hemorrhagic diathesis (pathologically increased bleeding tendency), that determines therapy (see table below). Furthermore, it is important whether it is an isolated thrombocytopenia with otherwise normal values of hemoglobin (Hb) and leukocytes (incl. differential blood count), or a thrombocytopenia that … Thrombocytopenia: Therapy
Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. Family history What is the general health of your family members? Are there any diseases in your family that are common? Are there any hereditary diseases in your family? Social history What is your profession? Are you exposed to harmful working … Thrombocytopenia: Medical History
Blood, hematopoietic organs-immune system (D50-D90). Aplastic anemia – form of anemia characterized by pancytopenia (synonym: tricytopenia: reduction of all three rows of cells in the blood; stem cell disease) and concomitant hypoplasia (functional impairment) of the bone marrow. Disseminated intravascular coagulation; Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC syndrome, abbreviated: DIC; consumption coagulopathy) – acquired blood clotting disorders … Thrombocytopenia: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing): Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [purpura (spontaneous, small-spot skin, subcutaneous, or mucosal hemorrhages), petechiae (spontaneous, pinpoint skin and mucosal hemorrhages/flea-like, hematomas (bruises), and bleeding] … Thrombocytopenia: Examination
1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Thrombocytopenia: Leichtgradig (150.00–70.000/μl) Mittelgradig (70.000–20.000/μl) Severe (< 20,000/μl) Platelet morphology [immune thrombocytopenia (ITP): the few platelets are often enlarged; giant platelets (i.e. ≥ erythrocyte diameter): possibly also Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS): this involves poorer platelet binding to the damaged vascular endothelium]. Differential blood picture Inflammatory … Thrombocytopenia: Test and Diagnosis
Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, laboratory diagnostics, and obligatory medical device diagnostics – for differential diagnostic clarification. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – secondary: for suspected changes in the abdominal organs.
The following symptoms and complaints may occur together with thrombocytopenia: Leading symptom Increased bleeding tendency: Hematomas (bruises). Petechiae (spontaneous, small-spot bleeding/flea-like bleeding of the skin and mucous membranes). Bleeding from the nose or gums, etc. Associated symptoms Depending on the differential diagnosis. An increased bleeding tendency exists with a platelet count below 150,000/μl. Spontaneous skin … Thrombocytopenia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs