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What Is Transient Thrombocytopenia?

Transient thrombocytopenia can be caused by any condition that leads to temporarily decreased production of platelets. It typically resolves without therapy once the cause has been eliminated.

  1. Platelets

    • Platelets are made in the bone marrow and depend upon a variety of substances in the body for production and regulation. They are greatly involved in the formation of clots in wound healing.

    Thrombocytopenia

    • Thrombocytopenia describes a low platelet count. Normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 400,000 per microliter of blood. Values below 20,000 can lead to increased risk of bleeding.

    Megakaryocytes

    • Megakaryocytes are the precursors to platelets and are made in the bone marrow. If production of megakaryocytes is affected, this effects platelet production.

    Alcohol

    • Consuming large amounts of alcohol can slow platelet production by slowing the production of megakaryocytes. This is particularly significant in heavy drinkers who have low levels of vitamin B12, iron or folate, as these are important in platelet production.

    Viruses

    • Certain viruses can effect platelet production, leading to transient thrombocytopenia that resolves once the virus has been eradicated. Some such viruses are chicken pox, parvovirus, mumps, rubella and Epstein-Barr virus.

    Drugs

    • Some drugs cause transient thrombocytopenia by affecting the bone marrow, such as thiazide diuretics used in some cardiac patients, and cytotoxic drugs used in chemotherapy.

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