Causes of Thrombocytopenia
| Setting | Common causes |
|---|---|
| Acute admission | Sepsis Acute alcohol toxicity Drug-induced thrombocytopenia Immune thrombocytopenic purpura* Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (Table 100.9) |
| Inpatient | Sepsis Disseminated intravascular coagulation (Appendix 102.1) Drug-induced thrombocytopenia Post-transfusion purpura |
| Inpatients with cardiac disease | Use of platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa-receptor antagonists Use of adenosine diphosphate-receptor antagonists (e.g. clopidogrel) Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (Appendix 102.3) Post-cardiopulmonary bypass Use of intra-aortic balloon pump |
| Pregnancy and post-partum (Table100.9) | Gestational thrombocytopenia Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) HELLP syndrome (Haemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, Low Platelet count) Disseminated intravascular coagulation (Appendix 102.1) Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (Appendix 102.2) |
| Outpatient | Myelodysplasia Leukaemia Immune thrombocytopenic purpura* Antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome Vitamin B12 deficiency |
* Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, ITP) is diagnosed when there is isolated thrombocytopenia, with no other cause of thrombocytopenia evident (after bone marrow aspiration to rule out marrow disorders, and testing for HIV).