Reduction in cell counts - thrombocytopenia
Description
- Platelets <150 x10^9/L
| Platelets (x10^9/L) | Significance |
|---|---|
| 100-150 | Rarely symptomatic; often incidental or pregnancy |
| 50-100 | Safe for most procedures; no spontaneous bleeding |
| 20-50 | Bleeding with trauma/surgery |
| <20 | Spontaneous mucocutaneous bleeding |
| <10 | Risk of intracranial haemorrhage |
- Bleeding pattern tells you the compartment
- Platelet/vascular - petechiae, purpura, mucosal (epistaxis, gum, menorrhagia), immediate after injury
- Coagulation factor - haemarthrosis, deep muscle haematoma, delayed rebleeding
- *The count and the bleeding risk correlate poorly* - mechanism matters more than number (ITP bleeds less than aplasia at the same count; TTP/HIT thrombose rather than bleed)
6 more sections, plus exam facts
Premium unlocks every note across every specialty, and the full exam fact library behind it.
Get premium access