Thrombocytopenia

Question 1

What is meant by thrombocytopenia?

Answer 1

Low platelet count

Question 2

What are the three causes of thrombocytopenia I need to know?

Answer 2

• Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
• Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)
• Heparin induced thrombocytopenia (HIT)

Question 3

Briefly describe the pathophysiology of ITP

Answer 3

Autoantibodies are produced against platelets

Question 4

Describe the medical management of ITP

Answer 4

• Prednisolone

- Rituximab

Question 5

Briefly describe the pathophysiology of TTP

This occurs due to a deficiency in which protein?

Answer 5

TTP is a condition where small blood clots develop throughout the body, using up platelets and leading to a thrombocytopenia

This occurs due to a deficiency in a protein called ADAMTS13

Question 6

Describe the management of TTP

Answer 6

• Prednisolone

- Rituximab

Question 7

a) Briefly describe the pathophysiology of HIT

b) Describe the typical presentation of HIT

Answer 7

a) Development of antibodies against platelets in response to exposure to heparin
b) Patient on heparin forming a clot

Question 8

What is the diagnostic test for HIT?

Answer 8

Testing for HIT antibodies

Question 9

Describe the management of HIT

Answer 9

• Stop heparin

- Use an alternative anticoagulant