Essential thrombocytopenia refers to low platelets level in blood. The normal platelet count in the blood ranges from 150,000 and 450,000 per mm3. While in thrombocytopenia it has less than 150,000 per mm.

Laboratory tests to identify thrombocytopenia includes complete blood count, liver enzymes, renal function, vitamin B12 levels, folic acid levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and peripheral blood smear. Bone marrow biopsy is done for final confirmation.

To treat this disease, the main cause must be treated. For thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura it is treated by removing of antibodies. While treatments for ITP includes Prednisone and other corticosteroids, Intravenous gamma globulin, Splenectomy, Danazol, Rituximab and AMG 531. For heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and thrombosis (HITT) it is advisable to discontinue of heparin but with cautious. And for genetically cause thrombocytopenia, bone marrow or Stem Cell Transplant is the only cure.

Low platelet level cannot determine through physical appearance right away. They are only determining through CBC or complete blood count . Sometimes patient may show bruising, nosebleeds and/or bleeding gums.

Thrombocytopenia is cause by different factors like vitamin B12, deficiency leukemia, Decreased production of thrombopoietin, Sepsis, Dengue fever, immunological shortened platelet survival. Hereditary syndromes also trigger this disease like Congenital Amegakaryocytic Thrombocytopenia (CAMT), Thrombocytopenia absent radius syndrome, and Fanconi anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, disseminated intravascular coagulation, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, antiphospholipid syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, post transfusion purpura, neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAITP), HIV and medication induced thrombocytopenia like heparin and chemotherapy drugs.

essentialthrombocytopenia