Differential Diagnosis for Mildly Low Platelet Count
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP): This is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, leading to a low platelet count. It is a common cause of isolated thrombocytopenia.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Viral infections (e.g., HIV, hepatitis C): Certain viral infections can lead to a low platelet count due to immune system dysregulation or bone marrow suppression.
- Medication-induced thrombocytopenia: Various medications, such as heparin, aspirin, and certain antibiotics, can cause a low platelet count as a side effect.
- Hypersplenism: Enlargement of the spleen can lead to sequestration of platelets, resulting in a low platelet count.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): A rare but life-threatening condition characterized by thrombocytopenia, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and renal failure.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS): A condition similar to TTP, often caused by E. coli infection, leading to thrombocytopenia, hemolytic anemia, and renal failure.
- Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC): A condition characterized by widespread clotting and bleeding, which can lead to a low platelet count and other coagulation abnormalities.
- Rare diagnoses
- Congenital thrombocytopenias (e.g., Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Bernard-Soulier syndrome): Rare genetic disorders that affect platelet production or function.
- Bone marrow failure syndromes (e.g., aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes): Conditions that affect the bone marrow's ability to produce blood cells, including platelets.
- Lymphoproliferative disorders (e.g., lymphoma, leukemia): Certain types of cancer that can affect the bone marrow and lead to a low platelet count.