Thrombocytopenia.
Emergency physicians often must evaluate patients with thrombocytopenia. Once recognized, the initial concern is for evaluating the patient's hemostasis. Prompt diagnosis and early intervention may be life saving. This article reviews platelet function and kinetics and presents the pathophysiology and clinical and laboratory findings of a number of diagnoses that are included in the differential diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. The general as well as specific approach to the patient is outlined.
Department of Emergency Medicine, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona.
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Goebel
D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy