Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is the result of a low platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are colorless blood cells that help to clot blood. They clump together and plug any holes in the blood vessels.

Symptoms are:

* bruising
* nosebleeds
* rash (petechie)
* prolonged bleeding from cuts
* blood in urine or stools
* unusually heavy menstrual flows

**********sidenote***********************************************
Kaden's first sign of leukemia was low platelets. He was getting nosebleeds, which were not uncommon, but we had trouble getting them to stop. He was sent for blood work that showed his platelet count was low. He was also bruising very easily. He had bruises on his legs, arms and back that I did not know where they came from. You can read Kaden's story and view his heart touching video here. *****************************************************************

This condition often occurs because of a separate disorder like leukemia or an immune system malfunction. It may also be a side effect from medication.

The blood normally has about 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter. If the platelet count falls below 50,000 platelets per microliter then bleeding can occur with minor trauma (easy bruising) . When the platelet count goes below 10,000 to 20,000 per microliter then there is a more serious risk of bleeding. If a platelet count falls below 10,000 then bleeding can occur without injury.