140 likes | 261 Views
Platelets. Matea Mrčelić, 2 nd year University of Zagreb, School of Medicine 2013/2014 Mentor: A. Žmegač Horvat. Definition. Small colorless anucleate disk - like body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting.
E N D
Platelets Matea Mrčelić, 2nd year University of Zagreb, School of Medicine2013/2014 Mentor: A. Žmegač Horvat
Definition Small colorless anucleate disk-like body of mammalian blood that assists in blood clotting
Process of differentiation helped and accelerated by thrombopoietin Each megakaryocyte produces 5,000 – 10,000 platelets Last step of thrombopoiesis - in bone marrow or in circulation Lifespan: 10 days, old platelets destroyed in spleen
Platelet count • Included in complete blood count • Normal range: 150,000 – 300,000 per microliter • Can be combined with platelet function test • Useful test for patients receiving anticoagulant therapy
Thrombocytopenia • Decrease of plateletcount - below 50,000 per microliter • Symptoms: easy bruising, frequent bleeding from the gums, nose, or GI tract, thrombocytopenic purpura • Cause: inherited, medications, chemotherapy, alcoholism • Treatment: splenectomy or blood transfusion
Easy bruising Thrombocytopenic purpura
Thrombocytosis • Having more than 450,000 platelets • Primary and secondary – difference in causes • Symptoms: spontaneous blood clots in the arms and legs, which if untreated can lead to heart attack and stroke • Treatment for primary thrombocytosis: plateletpheresis
References • Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, 11th Edition • http://www.platelet-research.org/1/function_hemo.htm# • http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/heart_vascular_institute/clinical_services/centers_excellence/womens_cardiovascular_health_center/patient_information/health_topics/platelets.html