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Together is a new resource for anyone affected by pediatric cancer - patients and their parents, family members, and friends.
Learn MoreCertain serious childhood illnesses and treatments can cause:
These can occur because there are fewer platelets in the blood. Platelets help form blood clots to slow or stop bleeding. A lower level of platelets in the blood is called thrombocytopenia. A healthy platelet count is between 150,000 and 300,000.
Tell the care team right away if your child has bleeding problems, unusual bruising, tiny purple-red spots, or any of the below:
To diagnose your child, your care provider must first decide the cause of the bleeding. Tests they do may include:
Doctors may also perform a bone marrow aspiration to find the cause of the bleeding.
Learn more about blood by visiting the Basics of Blood website.
Serious cases of thrombocytopenia may require:
You can take steps to prevent bleeding and bruising if your child has a serious illness.
Daily activities can cause bleeding or bruising. Use the following tips to care for your child at home.
If bleeding does not stop after 5 to 10 minutes, contact a member of your care team.
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Reviewed: September 2022