Thrombocytopenia: proposed mechanisms and treatment in human immunodeficiency virus infection

Thrombocytopenia (TC) is noted in three to nine percent of patients who are seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Causes of this may be immune, infectious, platelet destruction, or underproduction. Thrombocytopenia associated with HIV will be seen with increasing frequency. Corticosteroids and splenectomy are the usual therapeutic approaches. Intravenous gammaglobulin and antiviral agents may be indicated and useful in some patients.