We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Causes of Thrombocytopenia in Children?

By C. K. Lanz
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 9,818
Share

The most common cause of thrombocytopenia in children is idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). ITP, characterized by purple bruising on the skin, results when the immune system attacks platelets for reasons unknown. In children, it is thought that viral infections can trigger acute ITP lasting less than six months. Medical treatment may not be required for mild cases of ITP since these often self-resolve. Thrombocytopenia in children can also be a side effect of leukemia, bone marrow failure, or a prescribed medication.

Acute ITP is the most common cause of pediatric thrombocytopenia. Idiopathic is a term indicating that there is no known cause for the drop in platelets. What is understood is that the immune system is destroying platelets, resulting in easy bruising and abnormal amounts of bleeding. It is possible for a viral infection to trigger ITP and thus thrombocytopenia in children.

In most children, ITP is acute and may be mild enough to resolve on its own without medical intervention. If it persists for more than six months, however, the condition becomes chronic. The most common treatment involves corticosteroids that interrupt the immune system’s attack on blood platelets. In severe cases, splenectomy and stronger immunosuppressive medications may be necessary to get the condition under control.

Other conditions can cause thrombocytopenia in children. For instance, bone marrow infections and some cancers can cause thrombocytopenia. This is because platelets are produced in the bone marrow. Additionally, chemotherapy and similar drugs can decrease platelet production. A vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency can also result in thrombocytopenia in children.

A child with thrombocytopenia has significantly fewer platelets in his or her blood. A platelet is a cell that facilitates proper blood clotting. When the blood does not clot properly, dangerous amounts of internal or external bleeding can result. In rare and severe cases, thrombocytopenia in children can result in fatal brain and intestinal bleeding.

The typical telltale symptom of thrombocytopenia in children is easy and disproportionate bruising. Petechiae, or tiny purplish spots, can appear on the legs or elsewhere. Cuts and scrapes can bleed for an abnormally long time and there may be blood present in the child’s urine or stool. A child with this condition may also suffer from spontaneous nose bleeds or bleeding gums. A girl may notice increasingly heavy menstruation.

Diagnosing thrombocytopenia in children usually requires only a physical exam and a simple blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). A child with thrombocytopenia generally has less than 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause of the condition. Treating this cause is often the most effective way to treat thrombocytopenia. A doctor may decide not to treat a mild case, while other, more severe cases may require a blood transfusion or medications like corticosteroids.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-causes-of-thrombocytopenia-in-children.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.