Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) is caused by a number of different factors that either reduce the production of platelets or increase the destruction of platelets. Broadly speaking, these can be divided into immune and non-immune causes. Non-immune causes include inherited causes of abnormalities of megakaryocyte development, infiltration of the bone marrow, liver disease and infection-related and drug-induced causes. Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) is caused by antibody- or cell-mediated destruction and can be primary (where a cause is not identified) or secondary to infections, autoimmunity or lymphoproliferative disorders. This article discusses the causes of thrombocytopenia with a focus on ITP.