thrombocytopenia /throm′bōsī′təpē″nē·ə/ [Gk, thrombus + kytos + penia, poverty] , a platelet count below the lower limit of the reference interval, usually 150,000/μL. It may be the consequence of decreased production disorders such as acute leukemia, an idiosyncratic drug response, or increased consumption, such as immune thrombocytopenic purpura. Thrombocytopenia is the most common cause of mucocutaneous (systemic) bleeding. Also called thrombopenia.
