Thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count below 150 × 10 9 /L. The causes of a low platelet count can be grouped according to reduced production, decreased survival or sequestration in the spleen.

Causes

Reduced production

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    Aplastic anaemia

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    Drugs, e.g. tolbutamide, alcohol, cytotoxic agents

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    Viral infections, e.g. EBV, CMV

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    Myelodysplasia

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    Bone marrow infiltration, e.g. carcinoma, leukaemia, myeloma, myelofibrosis

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    Megaloblastic anaemia

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    Hereditary thrombocytopenia

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