TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Thrombocytopenia A1 - Volchenboum, Samuel A2 - Zaoutis, Lisa B. A2 - Chiang, Vincent W. PY - 2017 T2 - Comprehensive Pediatric Hospital Medicine, 2e AB - Thrombocytopenia, usually defined as an absolute platelet count less than 150,000/mm3, is a common cause of bleeding in pediatric patients. A low platelet count can be the result of increased platelet destruction, reduced production, consumption, or sequestration (Table 91-1), and considering these distinctions will help in formulating a differential diagnosis. Formation of a platelet plug is vital to hemostasis. Regardless of the cause, when platelet numbers are decreased, there can be petechiae, bruising, or bleeding. The body has a remarkable capacity to maintain hemostasis despite low platelet numbers, so symptoms may not become evident until the platelet count is quite low—usually below 50,000/mm3. Patients with moderately decreased platelet counts may be asymptomatic, with the thrombocytopenia being noted incidentally. This chapter focuses on the major causes of thrombocytopenia and their evaluation and management. SN - PB - McGraw-Hill Education CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1146117802 ER -