The results of a clinical blood test make it possible to judge the state of the immune, cardiovascular and other systems of the human body. So, thrombocytopenia is characterized by a low level of platelets in the blood, spontaneous hemorrhages in the joints and internal organs, painful hematomas. Deficiency of platelet cells compromises the formation of a hemostatic plug, which restores the integrity of the damaged vessel. If the defect that has arisen is not "sealed" in time, even the most trifling cut can lead to a number of serious consequences.
The core of the problem
Platelets are non-nuclear structures of irregular oval or round shape. They are formed by splitting off sections of the cytoplasm from megakaryocytes (huge polyploid bone marrow cells). Externally, blood cells resemble flat disks with a diameter of 2-4 microns. Platelets circulate in the blood plasmamore than 12 days, then destroyed in the spleen, liver and replaced by new ones.
Platelets perform a hemostatic function. In case of mechanical injury, they release up to a dozen thread-like processes, which exceed the size of the cell itself by 5-10 times. The platelets are massively sent to the site of the rupture of the vessel and, with the help of pseudopodia, are attached to its wall, tightly pressing against each other. Then, α-granules with growth factor (PDGF) are released, it is these proteins that start the process of regeneration of damaged tissues. A decrease in platelet production in the red bone marrow changes the rheological properties of the blood, it becomes too thin, and there are problems with stopping bleeding.
Reference values
The level of platelets is calculated in thousands per 1 microliter of biological fluid. Their concentration depends on the age, gender of the patient, the season of the year and even the time of day. In the spring and at night, the content of platelets in the blood plasma approaches the lower limit of the norm.
A low level of platelets in the blood of a woman, a man or a child indicates thrombocytopenia, while an increased synthesis of a formed element indicates the development of thrombocytosis. The hematopoietic system of newborns and children up to a year is not stable: red cells actively develop and quickly die. With age, the hemodynamic parameters of the blood flow are restored and the production of platelets is on the decline. According to some data, the platelet level for women inposition can be reduced to 100 thousand U / μl. At the time of menstruation, the indicator is 75 -220 thousand U/mkl.
Symptomatics
At first, thrombocytopenia tends to be asymptomatic and protracted. A qualified hematologist may suspect a violation based on common signs of anemia in the body: pallor of the skin, shortness of breath, palpitations, weakness, dizziness, up to loss of consciousness.
Low platelets in the blood manifest:
- Regular, profuse nosebleeds.
- Petechial rash.
- Periodontosis.
- The appearance of bruises on the body for no apparent reason.
- Blood streaks when urinating or defecation.
- Prolonged menstruation in women.
As a rule, petechial hemorrhages are localized on the chest, abdomen, upper and lower extremities. An increase in cervical lymph nodes is sometimes accompanied by subfebrile condition. With thrombocytopenia, a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left is observed, the quantitative composition of erythrocytes decreases, while the concentration of reticulocytes is steadily increasing.
Causal factors
Thrombocytopenia can develop as an independent pathology or indicate the presence of other diseases (both acquired and hereditary). Usually, platelet hypoaggregation is associated with disorders in their synthesis or a high degree of destruction of blood cells. Blood clotting problems occur against the background of immune deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency andfolic acid.
The platelet level falls below the acceptable level due to the following pathological conditions:
- Hormonal failure.
- Chronic hepatitis, acute leukemia.
- Increased activity of the spleen.
- Systemic diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, lupus erythematosus).
- ARI, childhood infectious diseases (measles, chickenpox, rubella).
- Radiation exposure or severe toxic poisoning of the body.
Congenital thrombocytopenia is inherited on a recessive basis, the disease is caused by the wrong structure of cells, their weak viability. Rarely, a low platelet count in a child's blood is associated with Bernard-Soulier syndrome, May-Hegglin anomaly, or the introduction of the MMR (measles, rubella, mumps) vaccine. The risk group includes people suffering from obesity, drug addiction or chronic alcoholism. There is an idiopathic type of disease, in which case it is impossible to determine the cause of the low level of platelets in the blood.
False thrombocytopenia
False-positive results may reflect the individual characteristics of the patient or indicate improper preparation for CBC. The ambient temperature also affects the aggregation of non-nuclear bodies. The more time passes after blood sampling, the higher the risk of experiencing pseudothrombocytopenia. Low blood platelet levels during pregnancy are due to natural hormonal changes in the body of the expectant mother and are usually observed closer to the expected date of birth.
Thrombocytopenia is provoked by some antibacterial agents, diuretics, NSAIDs, narcotic analgesics. The list of popular blood thinners is headed by Aspirin, Piracetam, Voltaren, Ibuprofen. After discontinuation or replacement of the antiplatelet drug with a safer dosage form, thrombocytopenia resolves on its own.
Methods of official medicine
Therapeutic tactics for thrombocytopenia depends on the etiology of the disease and the severity of clinical manifestations. If the cause of the low level of platelets in the blood is an infectious disease, antibiotics are prescribed. A strong nosebleed will help to stop an ENT doctor, a uterine bleeding - a gynecologist, if necessary, a splenectomy, contact an abdominal surgeon. Megaloblastic anemia is treated with folic acid and vitamin B12. Corticosteroids, high doses of immunoglobulin successfully fight autoimmune disorders.
Hemostatic drugs like "Dicynone" or "Aminocaproic acid" increase the strength of the capillary wall, stimulate the formation of thromboplastin in the lesion. By the way, the well-known hemostatic agent "Vikasol" is ineffective in thrombocytopenia and may even worsen the patient's condition. "Ascorutin", "Kurantil" slow down blood flow in fragile vessels, thereby preventing hemorrhage. In the treatment of patients over 45 years of age, antigonadotropic capsules have proven themselves well -Danazol. Taking any medications must be agreed with your doctor.
Critical indicators
From the point of view of laboratory diagnostics, the level of platelets, not exceeding 30 thousand units / μl, is a critical value. In this case, transfusion of platelet concentrate is indicated. If a genetic study confirms the presence of a hereditary pathology, the patient may need a donor bone marrow transplant. Therapy of severe forms of thrombocytopenia is carried out by splenectomy. A surgical procedure refers to the complete or partial removal of the spleen.
Plasmapheresis is sometimes used in combination with hormonal treatment for low platelets. The essence of the method is to cleanse the body of antibodies to its own platelet cells. 2-4 sessions are enough to bring the patient out of a dangerous state. If thrombocytopenia is accompanied by heavy bleeding, a blood transfusion is indispensable.
People's advice
Water pepper extract and infusion of nettle leaves help strengthen blood vessels, normalize the permeability of the capillary wall. The fruits of wild strawberries, chokeberry, wild rose have hemostatic properties. With a low level of platelets in the blood, traditional healers recommend taking a decoction of yarrow, medicinal verbena, chicory, rue or plantain. Eleutherococcus, echinacea extract, Chinese magnolia vine, aloe, garlic, walnuts, marjoram and other immunomodulating plants confidently increase immunity.
Several effective traditional medicine recipes:
- Hemostatic collection. The product includes 20 g of chamomile flowers, 40 g of peppermint, 40 g of shepherd's purse. For thrombocytopenia, pour 300 ml of boiling water over 1 tbsp. l. raw materials and put in a water bath (15 minutes). Then remove the saucepan from the heat, its contents should be cooled and filtered through a 2-3-layer gauze napkin or strainer. Drink 100 ml of a healing drink twice a day.
- Decoction of currant leaves. Pour the crushed leaves with a liter of hot water. With a deficiency of platelets in the blood, the raw materials are boiled for 2-3 minutes from the moment of boiling, then the liquid is poured into a thermos. Add lemon and honey to taste. After 3 hours, the drink is ready to drink, take 200 ml of the product several times a day. Unlike alcohol tinctures, the decoction safely cleanses the body of toxins, treats anemia and bleeding gums, and relieves insomnia.
- Sesame oil. The oil is produced from fresh sesame seeds by cold pressing. Natural product accelerates blood clotting, has antioxidant activity. Take 1 tbsp daily. l. sesame oil.
These methods will not prevent massive destruction of platelets or cure an autoimmune disorder. Alternative medicine methods are appropriate to use for the prevention of anemia. Folk remedies gently and without side effects stimulate the aggregation of platelets, restore the vitality necessary to combat thrombocytopenia.
Diet
Fooda diet with a low level of platelets in the blood should include a sufficient amount of easily digestible protein, vitamins, micro- and macroelements. Freshly squeezed juices from strawberries, raspberries, apples or black radish will bring invaluable benefits. Eating foods rich in vitamin B12 and folic acid (legumes, beef liver, cheese, fresh herbs, cauliflower, apricots) has a positive effect. For thrombocytopenia, give preference to steam cutlets from fish or vegetables, boiled meat, baked fruit.
Dangerous foods include smoked meats, pickled vegetables, condiments, fast food and convenience foods. Spicy and too hot food, which irritates the mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, is strictly prohibited. It is advisable to cook porridge with water or milk; instead of sugar, add honey, fruits and berries. Strong liquor slows down the production of platelets in the bone marrow and destroys existing cells, which is why low platelets in the blood are often associated with bad habits.
How to prevent violations
With thrombocytopenia, it is recommended to avoid not only traumatic sports, but also outdoor activities. Hiking in the fresh air, on the contrary, will help to cheer up, saturate the cells with oxygen. Patients at risk should know what a low platelet count means and how to prevent the development of hemorrhagic syndrome. Avoid medicines and foods that thin the blood. Do not overcool, pay due attention to preventionviral and infectious diseases. Thrombocytopenia is a reason to get rid of alcohol dependence and smoking.
In conclusion
When in contact with a foreign environment for the body, the blood begins to rapidly clot, thereby stopping the bleeding. It is platelets that play a decisive role in the healing of damaged tissues. These tiny fragments of megakaryocytes conscientiously perform a hemostatic function, increase the resistance of cells to the action of pathogens. A low level of platelets in the blood in men, women, and children requires timely medical correction. Any delay, without exaggeration, can cost a person his life. Take care!
