A Case of Ipt

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 produced in the bone marrow, the same as the red cells and most of the white blood cells.  Platelets are produced from very large bone marrow cells called megakaryocytes.  As megakaryocytes develop into giant cells, they undergo a process of fragmentation that results in the release of over 1,000 platelets per megakaryocyte. 

2. Describe the role played by platelets in hemostasis.

1. They maintain the endothelial surface. Loss of circulating platelets quickly results in morphologic changes in the endothelial cells of the capillaries. These changes cause intravascular material to leak into the capillary bed.

2. They initially arrest bleeding in severed blood vessels.

3. They provide phospholipid, which acts as the catalytic surface for initiation of the coagulation process that played by platelets in hemostasis.

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

Thrombocytopenia is a blood disease characterized by an abnormally low number of platelets in the bloodstream. Abnormal reductions in the number of platelets are caused when abnormalities occur in any of the following three processes: decreased platelet production by the bone marrow; increased trapping of platelets by the spleen; or a more rapid than normal destruction of platelets. Persons with this condition easily bruise and can have episodes of excess bleeding.

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

Your blood would not clot as well in the event of an injury, meaning you could bleed to death without medical intervention.

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

Some of the drugs associated with the development of...