Thrombocytopenia
A low platelet count. Platelets are irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood that assists in blood clotting. thrombocytopenia can arise due to decreased production of platelets in the bone marrow or increased breakdown of platelets in the bloodstream, spleen, or liver. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by easy bruising and increased bleeding.
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- Thrombocytopenia, heparin-induced
Low blood platelet count as a result of the medication heparin. HIT (heparin induced thrombocytopenia) is caused by the body forming antibodies to Heparin when it is bound to a blood protein called platelet factor 4 (PF4). When the antibody binds to the combination of heparin and PF4 it activates platelets which bind together and […]
- Thrombocytopenic purpura, acute
Acute thrombocytopenic purpura.
- Thromboembolism
Formation in a blood vessel of a clot (thrombus) that breaks loose and is carried by the blood stream to plug another vessel. The clot may plug a vessel in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), brain (stroke), gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, or leg. Thromboembolism is a significant cause of morbidity (disease) and mortality (death), especially in adults. […]
- Thrombolytic agent
A drug that is able to dissolve a clot (thrombus) and reopen an artery or vein. Thrombolytic agents may be used to treat a heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis (clot in a deep leg vein), pulmonary embolism, and occlusion of a peripheral artery or indwelling catheter. All thrombolytic agents are serine proteases (they digest […]
- Thrombophilia
The tendency to form thromboses (blood clots in arteries and veins).