If your doctor tells you that you
child's blood platelet count is low, it means that a clotting
disorder known as thrombocytopenia is present. This hematological
disorder may be asymptomatic or may cause serious symptoms. It can be
caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection; medications; or
even a bone marrow disorder. One of the infections that can lead to
thrombocytopenia is mononucleosis (mono).
Take a look at some of the signs and
symptoms of thrombocytopenia in children.
Petechiae refers to tiny pinpoint dots
under the skin that are usually purple, red, or brown in color. They
are the result of subcutaneous bleeding, and while they can be
associated with mild trauma, abrasions, and insect bites, they can be
a sign of a low platelet count.
They often develop in clusters on the
skin and can also be found on the mucus membranes of the inner
eyelids or lining of the cheeks. Petechiae spots are not raised and
they do not itch.
Note that the existence of petechiae is
not a diagnosis, only a sign of another condition. Your child will
need to see the pediatrician for a complete blood count and physical
examination.
Another symptom of thrombocytopenia
that your child may develop is prolonged or excessive bleeding from a
minor cut or scrape. This is because when the platelet count is low,
blood clotting takes longer. To stop bleeding in your child, apply
pressure over the area with a clean cloth for a few minutes or until
the bleeding stops. If the bleeding does not stop, take your child to
the pediatrician.
Your child may also experience blood in
the stool or urine. When this happens, seek prompt medical attention
because if the child loses too much blood from the bowel or urinary
tract, severe anemia can develop. A low platelet count may also
result in nosebleeds, and if your child has started menstruating,
heavy menstrual bleeding may occur.
If your child has no interest in
playing because he or she is unusually tired, a low platelet count
may be to blame. While unrelenting fatigue can be caused by
infections and other conditions, your physician may suspect
thrombocytopenia, especially if petechiae and abnormal bleeding are
present.
In addition to a complete blood count,
your child's pediatrician will also palpate the spleen and liver to
see if it they are enlarged. If blood tests reveal the presence of a
low platelet count, the doctor will try to establish a cause such as
an infection or a medication that your child takes. In mild cases of
thrombocytopenia, no treatment is needed.
If the pediatrician determines that
treatment is needed for your child's low platelet count, medications
such as those used to raise the platelet count will be prescribed.
Corticosteroids are often the medication of choice; however, if those
are ineffective, the doctor may recommend immunosuppresants.
If the doctor prescribes
immunosuppresants to treat a low platelet count, your child may be
more susceptible to infections. Once the medication has been
discontinued, though, immune function will start to improve.
In severe cases of thrombocytopenia,
the doctor may recommend removal of the spleen, or splenectomy, as
well as a procedure known as a plasma exchange. If the pediatrician
recommends a plasma exchange, your child's blood plasma will be
removed and replaced with fresh plasma. Your child will need to be
hospitalized for this procedure, and may feel weak, tired, or
nauseous afterwards.
To learn more about thrombocytopenia or
other pediatric blood disorders, or if your child needs general
pediatric services, contact Y.H.
Parikh & Associatestoday to schedule your appointment.
