10 Causes of Thrombocytopenia

By iliriana

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Cause #3: Leukemia

Patients who are diagnosed with leukemia often get diagnosed with thrombocytopenia at some point during therapy. Thrombocytes derive from bone marrow and a weakened bone marrow allows less platelets to reach the bloodstream. The chemotherapy combination therapy that is often used for leukemia leads to an abnormally low level of thrombocytes and can last for several weeks until the bone marrow recovers.

Leukemia patients who have thrombocytopenia often need to get a transfusion of platelets. It is a risky, but sometimes necessary, procedure. In some milder cases, the low levels of thrombocytes can be treated with medications. However, medication therapy is often avoided by physicians, as in most cases it can lead to serious side effects.