Editorial

Thrombocytopenia

Authors: Ashok K. Malani, MD, MS, FRCS

Abstract

For the benefit of busy general practitioners who are likely to encounter thrombocytopenia in everyday practice, Sekhon and Roy,1in this issue of the Journal, have provided a review of causes and a practical approach to the management of thrombocytopenia in adults.


The principal goal in the management of thrombocytopenia is prevention of death from bleeding. Before embarking on a costly search for thrombocytopenia, it is important to rule out the following: 1) pseudothrombocytopenia caused by platelet clumping by examination of a peripheral blood smear, 2) dilutional thrombocytopenia from massive blood loss and transfusional support with packed RBCs,2,3and 3) mild to moderate thrombocytopenia associated with pregnancy in a healthy woman.4,5

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