title: Severe thrombocytopenia secondary to alcohol use.
abstract: Thrombocytopenia in hospitalized alcoholics may be caused by splenomegaly, folate deficiency, and, most frequently, a direct toxic effect of alcohol on production, survival time, and function of platelets. Platelet count begins to rise after 2 to 5 days' abstinence from alcohol. The condition is generally benign, and clinically significant hemorrhage is rare.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Bayley Seton Hospital, Staten Island, NY 10304.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peltz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D010976:Platelet Count; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid