Medical Problems: Thrombocytopenia

OVERVIEW

This page is designed to organize content that is relevant to the topic of thrombocytopenia. This term is used in medicine, and it is important that to become familiar with it.

Thrombocytopenia refers to low levels of platelets in the blood (image source).
WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Before going any farther, let us make sure we clearly define the “medical problem”. Thrombocytopenia often refers to a platelet count less then 150,000/mm³

WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?

 

ORGANIZING THE DIFFERENTIAL

The differential diagnosis for TERM can be organized in a few different ways:

  • Can’t miss diagnosis
  • Organ systen
  • Disease category
  • Diagnostic modality
  • Most common diagnosis
CLINICAL “WORKUP”

Now that the possible causes of TERM have been established, the focus can shift to how one would actually “work-up” a patient who presents with TERM. 

  • Collecting the history
  • Performing the physical
  • Ordering studies/tests
  • Intrepreting clinical data
TREATMENT

The treatment of TERM may vary depending on the etiology of the condition, and is elaborated upon more below:

  • Overview of treatments 

 

Page Updated: 03.22.2018