Pediatric thrombocytopenia is when there are insufficient normal platelets in the blood. Platelets are the blood component that stop bleeding and assist in blood clotting.
A child with thrombocytopenia may bleed more easily, including bruise more quickly, bleed from mucosal surfaces (nosebleeds, mouth bleeds, intestinal bleeding, urine bleeding, and/or heavy menstrual periods), and occasionally into organs.
The most frequent causes of thrombocytopenia in children are infections, particularly viral infections, and the immune system’s destruction of platelets (referred to as immunological thrombocytopenia, or ITP). Depending on the underlying cause, children with thrombocytopenia may also have decreased levels of other blood cell types, such as red and white blood cells.
Hemorrhaging excessively can be harmful and have an impact on the brain or crucial bodily processes.
The signs and symptoms of a child with a slightly low platelet count could not be present. The following issues could arise for children if the count falls low enough:
Bleeding in the brain is the most dangerous sort of bleeding that can occur. Although bleeding in or around the brain cannot be seen, it can cause headaches or alter thinking or behavior.
Any serious bleeding that won’t stop after applying pressure to the area should be treated by a healthcare provider immediately.
Thrombocytopenia typically results from an underlying condition. There are two causes of thrombocytopenia:
Several factors can lead to thrombocytopenia. Some of them are really serious and demand medical care. Others are not significant and might go away by themselves over time.