Which condition is commonly associated with low platelets?

Which condition is commonly associated with low platelets?

• A. Diabetes mellitus
• B. Liver cirrhosis
• C. Hypertension
• D. Asthma

Answer: (B)

Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are commonly seen with liver cirrhosis because of portal hypertension causing splenic sequestration of platelets and reduced production of thrombopoietin by the damaged liver. The enlarged spleen traps more platelets, lowering the circulating count, and diminished thrombopoietin decreases platelet production. This combination makes thrombocytopenia a frequent finding in cirrhosis, with clinical signs like easy bruising and mucosal bleeding. The other conditions listed do not typically cause a sustained decrease in platelet count—diabetes may affect platelet function rather than number, and hypertension or asthma aren’t linked to low platelet counts.

Low platelets, or thrombocytopenia, are commonly seen with liver cirrhosis because of portal hypertension causing splenic sequestration of platelets and reduced production of thrombopoietin by the damaged liver. The enlarged spleen traps more platelets, lowering the circulating count, and diminished thrombopoietin decreases platelet production. This combination makes thrombocytopenia a frequent finding in cirrhosis, with clinical signs like easy bruising and mucosal bleeding. The other conditions listed do not typically cause a sustained decrease in platelet count—diabetes may affect platelet function rather than number, and hypertension or asthma aren’t linked to low platelet counts.