Baelum et al identified factors affecting the risk for venous thromboembolism in a patient with thrombocytopenia. A patient with thrombocytopenia may be at risk for thrombosis. The authors are from Odense University Hospital in Denmark.
Patient selection: thrombocytopenia with platelet count <100,000 per µL, with age >= 15 years
Outcome: venous thromboembolism
Risk factors associated with increased risk of thromboembolism in the multivariate analysis:
(1) recent surgery
(2) history of previous thromboembolism
Malignant neoplasm and antineoplastic treatment were risk factors in the univariate analysis but not in the multivariate analysis.
Factors associated with a decreased risk of thromboembolism:
(1) platelet count < 50,000 per µL
(2) chronic liver disease, including alcohol abuse
Prophylactic doses of anticoagulant and/or platelet inhibitors did not affect the risk of thrombosis.
Thus, the conditions triggering venous thromboembolism are similar to the general population, but the risk is modified by the severity of the thrombocytopenia and comorbid conditions.
