15. investigation of a thrombocytopenic patient

Question 1

how is thrombocytopenia defined?

Answer 1

platelet count <150,000/µL

PLT count <20,000–> risk of spontaneous bleeding
<10,000–> severe life threatening bleeding

Question 2

diagnostic evaluation of thrombocytopenia

Answer 2

1. History
2. CBC
3. peripheral smear: increased destruction: large platelets or decreased production
   * rule out pseudo-thrombocytopenia
4. other: anemia, hemolytic anemia (coombs), bone marrow biopsy if unexplained thrombocytopenia

Question 3

what is Evan’s syndrome?

Answer 3

co-occurrence of > 2 immune-mediated cytopenia’s (PLT+ RBC)