Blóðflögufæð

Blóðflögufæð, also known as thrombocytopenia, is a medical condition characterized by a lower-than-normal number of platelets in the blood. Platelets, or thrombocytes, are small, irregular-shaped cells that play a crucial role in blood clotting. When their count is significantly reduced, the body's ability to stop bleeding can be impaired.

The normal range for platelets in adults is typically between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A diagnosis of thrombocytopenia is generally made when the platelet count falls below 150,000. The severity of thrombocytopenia can vary, with mild cases often showing no symptoms, while severe cases can lead to spontaneous bleeding.

Symptoms of blóðflögufæð can include easy or excessive bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in urine or stools, and in women, unusually heavy menstrual bleeding. In more severe instances, petechiae, small red or purple dots on the skin caused by bleeding under the skin, may appear.

The causes of blóðflögufæð are diverse and can include autoimmune disorders, where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, certain viral infections like hepatitis C or HIV, bone marrow problems such as leukemia or aplastic anemia, and side effects from medications, particularly chemotherapy. It can also occur during pregnancy.

Treatment for blóðflögufæð depends on the underlying cause and severity. Mild cases may not require treatment. For more significant reductions, treatments can include medications to suppress the immune system, platelet transfusions to temporarily raise platelet counts, or addressing the underlying condition.