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• Thrombocytopenia and Platelet Dysfunction
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Increased splenic platelet sequestration can occur in various disorders that cause splenomegaly. Sequestration is expected in patients with congestive splenomegaly caused by advanced cirrhosis. The platelet count usually is > 30,000/μL unless the disorder causing the splenomegaly also impairs platelet production (eg, in myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia). Platelets are released from the spleen by epinephrine and therefore may be available at a time of stress. Therefore, thrombocytopenia caused only by splenic sequestration does not cause bleeding. Splenectomy corrects the thrombocytopenia but is not indicated unless severe thrombocytopenia from simultaneous marrow failure is present.

Last full review/revision May 2009 by James N. George, MD

Content last modified May 2009