Alcoholic Thrombocytopenia

8/06/03 (Sharkawi)

Question:  To what degree can thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) be attributed to alcohol consumption?

<1>

Unique Identifier:2020651

Authors: Peltz S.

Institution: Department of Medicine, Bayley Seton Hospital, Staten Island, NY 10304.

Title: Severe thrombocytopenia secondary to alcohol use.

Source: Postgraduate Medicine. 89(6):75-6, 85, 1991 May 1.

Abstract: Thrombocytopenia in hospitalized alcoholics may be caused by splenomegaly, folate deficiency, and, most frequently, a direct toxic effect of alcohol on production, survival time, and function of platelets. Platelet count begins to rise after 2 to 5 days' abstinence from alcohol. The condition is generally benign, and clinically significant hemorrhage is rare. CAS Registry/EC Number 59-30-3 (Folic Acid).

<2>

Unique Identifier:5008556

Authors: Sahud MA.

Title: Platelet size and number in alcoholic thrombocytopenia.

Source: New England Journal of Medicine. 286(7):355-6, 1972 Feb 17.

<3>

Unique Identifier:5539275

Authors: Cowan DH. Hines JD.

Title: Thrombocytopenia of severe alcoholism.

Source: Annals of Internal Medicine. 74(1):37-43, 1971 Jan.