Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause of the condition. In some cases, a transfusion of platelets may be required to stop or prevent bleeding.
Prognosis (Expectations)
The outcome depends on the disorder causing the low platelet counts.
Complications
Severe bleeding (hemorrhage) is the main complication. This can include:
- Bleeding in the brain (intracranial hemorrhage)
- Gastrointestinal bleeding (vomiting blood or blood in the stools)
- Nosebleeds
Calling Your Health Care Provider
Call your healthcare provider if you experience unexplained bleeding or bruising.
-
Thrombocytopenia: Overview, Causes
-
Thrombocytopenia: Symptoms & Signs, Diagnosis & Tests
-
Thrombocytopenia: Treatment
Review Date : 2/5/2010
Reviewed By : David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only — they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2010 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
