title: Thrombocytopenia: A Destruction of Platelets.
abstract: Platelets, or megakaryocytes, are irregular, disk-shaped cell fragments circulating in the blood. They are a primary component in maintaining hemostasis. Low platelet counts, or thrombocytopenia, leave patients at an increased risk of hemorrhage. This article discusses various etiologies of disorders of low platelets and current therapies for management.
authors.affiliation: Family Nurse Practitioner, Department of Leukemia, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas. Edythe M. Greenberg, PhD, RN, FNP-BC, is a family nurse practitioner who has worked with the Department of Leukemia at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center for 10 years. Dr. Greenberg also has previous nursing experience in nursing education, emergency health, and family health.
authors.forename: Edythe M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Greenberg
mesh_terms: D000437:Alcoholism / Q000150:complications; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000150:complications; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000150:complications; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications; D010808:Physical Examination; D011247:Pregnancy; D013163:Splenomegaly / Q000150:complications; D013921:Thrombocytopenia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*