Thrombocytopenia

Definition

<150,000 platelets/µL

Transfusion Criteria

<50,000 & severe bleed or invasive procedure

<20,000 & fever, petechia, or infection

<5,000-10,000 --> *always

• Usually ineffective in ITP (give only in severe bleed; best after IVIg)

• DIC may worsen with platlet tranfusion

• Likely contraindicated in TTP

Causes

A. Decreased production

-marrow infiltration, aplastic anemia, drugs (ETOH), viral infect

B. Increased destruction

-ITP, TTP, HUS, DIC, drugs (heparin)

C. Increased loss

-hemorrhage, hemodialysis

D. Splenic sequestration

F. Pseudothrombocytopenia (clumped)

Pediatrics

1 unit platelets per 5kg body weight will raise count by 50k

Source

1/26/06 DONALDSON (addapted from Tintinalli's, Lampe, Charfan)