A low platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, is a disorder in which the body produces abnormally low platelets. Platelets play a vital role in helping the blood to clot. Signs of thrombocytopenia include excessive bruising, nosebleeds, spontaneous bleeding from the gums, rash, and prolonged bleeding from cuts. Thrombocytopenia is often a result of a separate underlying condition and can reverse on its own, once the condition is under control. Treatment varies based on the cause and possible underlying condition.
Underlying Conditions
Underlying conditions may cause the body to destroy platelets, resulting in a low platelet count. Autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause a decline in platelet count. Pregnancy and bacteria in the blood may also cause mild cases of thrombocytopenia. ITP, or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, occurs when the immune system produces antibodies that attack and destroy platelets. This results in a low platelet count that may be chronic in adults, notes MedlinePlus. TTP, or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, can cause platelets to clump together in the small blood vessels around the body, which results in fewer platelets available in the blood for clotting.
Medications
Medications and drugs can cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia, which is considered to be immune or nonimmune related. According to the Mayo Clinic, medications can confuse the immune system and cause the production of platelet antibodies. The antibodies attack platelets resulting in drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia. Drug-induced nonimmune thrombocytopenia is when a medication interferes with the production of platelets. Some of the medications that cause drug-induced thrombocytopenia include sulfa-containing antibiotics, heparin, quinidine, quinine and anticonvulsants.
Hypersplenism
Hypersplenism, or an overactive spleen, can cause an increased breakdown of platelets. MedlinePlus notes that lymphoma, cirrhosis, tuberculosis and other inflammatory tissue diseases can cause an overactive spleen. The spleen is found just below your ribcage on the left side of the stomach, and when it is enlarged it can hold too many platelets, reducing the number in circulation throughout the body.
Bone Marrow Conditions
Bone marrow conditions, including anemia and leukemia, and viral infections such as HIV, can interrupt the production of platelets in the bone marrow. According to MedlinePlus, deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate may also reduce the production of platelets in the bone marrow and cause thrombocytopenia.
