6 Most Common Causes of Thrombocytopenia in Children

Thrombocytopenia, defined as a low platelet count, is a condition that can significantly affect children's health. Understanding the common causes of thrombocytopenia is crucial for timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Understanding Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia occurs when the platelet count in the blood is lower than normal, leading to an increased risk of bruising and bleeding.

Role of Platelets

Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and a deficiency can result in serious health issues.

Common Causes of Thrombocytopenia in Children

1. Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)

ITP is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets.

It often follows viral infections, such as chickenpox or the common cold, and is most prevalent in children aged 2 to 6 years.

Acute ITP usually resolves on its own within six months, but chronic cases may require treatment.

2. Infections

Viral infections are a significant cause of thrombocytopenia in children. Common culprits include:

• Chickenpox
• Epstein-Barr virus
• HIV

Malaria can also lead to severe reductions in platelet levels.

3. Bone Marrow Disorders

Conditions like aplastic anemia can impair the bone marrow's ability to produce platelets.

Bone marrow failure may occur due to genetic factors or after infections.

4. Medications

Certain medications can induce thrombocytopenia as a side effect. This includes:

• Chemotherapy drugs
• Antibiotics

It is essential to review any recent medication history with healthcare providers.

5. Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in vitamins such as B12 and folate can lead to decreased platelet production.

6. Other Medical Conditions

Conditions like liver disease or autoimmune disorders (e.g., lupus) can also contribute to low platelet counts.

Treatment Options for Thrombocytopenia

The treatment for thrombocytopenia largely depends on its underlying cause:

• Observation: In mild cases, especially with ITP, monitoring may be sufficient.

• Medications: For chronic ITP, medications like Eltrombopag can stimulate platelet production.

• Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that helps increase platelet counts by acting on the bone marrow.

• Available brands through Oddway International include:
• Eltromag (Cipla)
• Trombonat (Natco Pharma)
• Rompag (Hetero Healthcare)
• Eltrog (Glenmark Pharma)

• Both wholesale and single orders are available in doses 25 mg & 50 mg, ensuring accessibility for pharmacies and individual patients.

Takeaway

Understanding the common causes of thrombocytopenia in children is vital for effective management and treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention can help mitigate risks associated with low platelet counts.

For those with chronic conditions like ITP, Eltrombopag offers a promising treatment option.