The Etiology And Clinical Interpretation of Thrombocytopenia: A Review

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia can be encountered in a clinical setting with any of a variety of underlying pathological processes. Such pathology may result from decreased platelet production, increased peripheral destruction or abnormal distribution, or excessive consumption; and can be associated with everything from benign temporary conditions to life-threatening diseases. To accurately interpret thrombocytopenia, you need to understand integrated platelet physiology, bone marrow function, immune regulation and hemostasis. Advances in immunohematology and molecular biology in recent decades have shone a searching light on every aspect of thrombocytopenia, from the immune-mediated platelet destruction mechanism to thrombopoietin dysregulation, bone marrow failure and the consumptive coagulopathies. This article reviews what is known to be true about the many factors affecting blood platelet production, and the entire range of causative factors and pathological process entailed in besides deficient thrombopoiesis. Emphasis is placed on those biomarkers related most closely to the clinic and some key diagnostic (differential) points between causes were mentioned. An overall understanding of these levers should facilitate accurate diagnosis of thrombocytopenia along with appropriate risk stratification, and effective patient management.

Keywords:

Platelets, Thrombocytopenia, Megakaryocytes, Blood Clotting

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