120 - Thrombocytopenia: the Clinician’s point of view
Autor(s): A. Ambrosetti, I. Nichele, D. Veneri
Issue: RIMeL - IJLaM, Vol. 3, N. 3-S1, 2007 (MAF Servizi srl ed.)
Page(s): 120-122
Thrombocytopenia is a frequent condition; related symtoms can be variable, according to the degree of platelet reduction and to the possibile coexistence of other bleeding disorders. Firstly, pseudothrombocytopenia due to “in vitro” agglutination has to be excluded. Thrombocytopenias can be secondary to decreased platelet production, to platelet destruction or splenic pooling. When reduced thrombopiesis is due to bone marrow aplasia or infiltration by neoplastic cells, pancytopenia is usually concomitant. Isolated thrombocytopenia is characteristic of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and of the majority of drug-induced thrombocytopenias which are secondary to immuno-mediated platelet destruction. Among them heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) represents a prothrombotic rather than a bleeding disorder, is not rare in postoperative patients and needs rapid therapeutic decisions.