purpura hemorrhagica
Noun: - A medical condition characterized by purpura (purple or red discolorations on the skin caused by bleeding underneath) that is specifically associated with a significant reduction in circulating blood platelets (thrombocytopenia). This platelet deficiency impairs normal blood clotting, leading to spontaneous bleeding and bruising.
This term is used in medical contexts to describe a specific syndrome of bleeding and bruising due to severely low platelet counts. - The veterinarian diagnosed the horse with purpura hemorrhagica following its streptococcal infection. - A hallmark symptom of purpura hemorrhagica is the appearance of widespread petechiae and ecchymoses.
- Clinical Context: The condition is often discussed in relation to its underlying causes, which can include autoimmune diseases, infections, drug reactions, or other disorders that lead to platelet destruction or decreased production.
- The case study focused on purpura hemorrhagica secondary to sepsis.
- Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP): A common autoimmune disorder that is a primary cause of purpura hemorrhagica.
- Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A broader term for purpura occurring with low platelet counts.
- Thrombocytopenia: The medical term for a low platelet count, which is the defining feature of purpura hemorrhagica.
- Hemorrhagic purpura
- Thrombocytopenic purpura
Note: While often used interchangeably in general description, specific terms like "ITP" refer to particular etiologies within the broader category of purpura hemorrhagica.
- purpura associated with a reduction in circulating blood platelets which can result from a variety of factors