RT Book, Section
A1 Volchenboum, Samuel
A2 Zaoutis, Lisa B.
A2 Chiang, Vincent W.
SR Print(0)
ID 1146117802
T1 Thrombocytopenia
T2 Comprehensive Pediatric Hospital Medicine, 2e
YR 2017
FD 2017
PB McGraw-Hill Education
PP New York, NY
SN 9780071829281
LK accesspediatrics.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1146117802
RD 2023/03/28
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.