A Case of Itp

A Case of IPT

Directions: Go to this website: http://www.sciencecases.org/itp/itp.asp

Read the case study, and answer the following questions.

1. How and where are platelets produced in the body?

- Platelets are pieces of megakarycytes which are cells that are on bone marrow. Fragments are broken off the cytoplasm of the megakarycytes in bone marrow making platelets which do not have a nucleus.

2. Describe the role played by platelets in hemostasis.

- Endohelium of a blood vessel walls are broken and expose collagen in the blood vessel wall which platelets can bind to. When the platelets bind to the collagen ADP, serotonin and thromboxane is released. New platelets are attracted to the area of the broken blood vessel. As the platelets are attracted to the broken vessel they begin to stick together being able to plug the damaged area of the blood vessel. Fibers and fibrinogens join to strengthen the platelet plug.

3. Define thrombocytopenia and list the more common causes of this condition.

- Thrombocytopenia is a condition of the blood when the platelet count is low. This condition can happen as a result of a depletion of bone marrow which is common in patients undergoing chemotherapy. Other causes may be anti-platelet antibodies, infections, drugs, hemorrhage, prosthetic heart valves and anemia.

4. What are the potential consequences of a low platelet count?

- Potential consequences of a low platelet count maybe the inability for blood to clot itself causing a hemorrhage. Patients with a hemorrhage could possibly bleed to death.

5. What drugs have been associated with the development of thrombocytopenia?

- Chemotherapy drugs are commonly the cause of thrombocytopenia. Other drugs such as zantac, levaquin (blood thinner), streptomycin (steroid), aspirin, antihistamines, and digoxin can lead to the development of thromvocytopenia

6. How is thrombocytopenia treated in individuals...