Thrombocytopenia can be defined as low platelet count.
Platelets are cells in the blood that help form clots when there is a cut or bruise. The clot slows bleeding and gives blood vessels the opportunity to repair themselves.
When thrombocytopenia occurs, clot formation can be impaired and the chances of bleeding can increase. The risk increases considerably when platelet counts fall very low (below 10-20,000 platelets per cubic mm).
Thrombocytopenia is caused by several things, such as certain genetic and immune diseases. People with cancer receiving chemotherapy are also at risk of developing thrombocytopenia. A number of chemotherapy drugs can reduce the platelet production in the bone marrow and cause thrombocytopenia.
Transfusions of platelets can temporarily increase platelet counts in the blood, helping reduce the risk of bleeding.
