Why do thrombocytopenic patients bleed?

摘要

It is well known that patients with severe thrombocytope-nia can bleed and a platelet (PLT) count less than 10 x 10~9 to 20 x 10~9/L is considered a risk factor for serious bleeding. Physicians are also aware of the fact that many patients with immune thrombocytopenia whose PLT count is less than 10 x 10~9/L often do not bleed. This would suggest that the PLT count by itself may not be the predictor of bleeding, which can have significant therapeutic implications. An alternate possibility for thrombo-cytopenic bleeding is discussed below, which may be considered for future investigations.