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14th October, 2009
European Survey on Standards of Care in paediatric oncology centres. J. R. Kowalczyk, M. Samardakiewicz, K. Pritchard-Jones, R. Ladenstein, S. Essiaf, E. Fitzgerald, G. Petrarulo, G. Vassal - EJC , Volume 61, pp 11-19
8th December, 2014
The purpose of this website is to provide good and clear information about the long-term effects of childhood cancer and to refer to the various late-effects outpatient clinics (LATER outpatient clinics) that exist in the Netherlands.
8th September, 2015
Cancer in young people is rare, but it is still a major health issue in Europe. Each year, more than 6,000 young people in Europe die of cancer. There are more than 300,000 European childhood cancer survivors (in 2020, they will be nearly half a million): two-thirds of them have some late side effects of treatment, that are severe and impact on the daily life of half of those affected.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small, colorless cell fragments in our blood that form clots and stop or prevent bleeding. These essential components of the blood are produced in the bone marrow and serve a crucial role in blood coagulation, wound healing, and inflammation response.###
Our bodies as complex machines are made up of numerous parts, each possessing distinct functions. Among the essential components, platelets play a major role in maintaining our overall health. To understand the role and importance of platelets, it is vital to have a basic understanding of what they are and how they impact our wellbeing.
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells that help our body form clots to prevent bleeding. In the event of a wound or cut, platelets kick into action, sticking to the blood vessel’s walls and each other forming a plug that seals the bleeding vessel to prevent blood loss, hence playing a crucial part in the body’s healing process.
Scientifically, platelets are defined as small, disc-shaped cells that lack nuclei. They are produced in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue found in the center of certain bones. Even though they are classified as cells, they are about 20 times smaller than red blood cells, making them the tiniest of the blood’s three major types of cells.
In terms of placement, platelets swim along with red and white blood cells in our blood. However, they are significantly higher in number with typically between 150,000 to 450,000 per microliter of blood, depending on an individual’s health status.
One of the primary roles of platelets is to help in blood clotting. When a blood vessel is damaged, platelets rapidly migrate to the site, adhere to the wound, and create a plug by attracting more platelets, thus causing the blood to clot. In essence, they act like first responders during a vascular emergency, limiting blood loss and enabling repair.
The platelets’ function extends beyond clotting. They are also actively involved in wound healing. They release growth factors and cytokines that initiate and regulate wound repair. Thus, the healing of wounds is a comprehensive process that heavily depends on the normal function of the platelets.
Interestingly, platelets also contribute to the body’s immune response. Emerging evidence suggests that platelets can recognize and bind to pathogens, enhancing our immune systems’ ability to fight infection.
The lifespan of platelets is relatively short, usually 7-10 days, after which the spleen breaks them down. The body constantly monitors and replenishes these cellular fragments through a process known as thrombopoiesis.
The process of thrombopoiesis takes place in the bone marrow, where a type of stem cell called megakaryocytes produces platelets. These stem cells fragment into thousands of pieces, each of which then becomes a platelet, ready to perform its function in the body.
Thrombocytopenia signifies a condition where an individual has a lower-than-normal number of platelets in the blood. This can lead to problems with blood clotting and result in excessive bleeding, both external and internal.
Thrombocytosis, on the other hand, refers to having too many platelets. This can lead to blood clots forming in places where they shouldn’t, like in veins or arteries, which can result in stroke or heart attack.
Platelet dysfunction disorders occur when platelets do not work as they should. This could be due to inherited conditions, such as von Willebrand disease or certain immune system diseases.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing alcohol consumption, and incorporating a balanced diet rich in certain nutrients such as Vitamin K, folate, B-12, and iron can positively influence platelet production and function.
For those with platelet disorders, medical treatments range from medications, hormone treatments, or even procedures like platelet transfusion or splenectomy (removal of the spleen), depending on the nature and severity of the disorder.
In conclusion, platelets play vital roles in our bodies, from blood clotting, and wound healing, to immune response. It is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and diet for optimal platelet function. When you observe any change or symptom indicative of a platelet disorder, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
The normal platelet count ranges between 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. However, this range can slightly vary depending on the reference lab’s guidelines.
Absolutely not, platelets are crucial for blood clotting and wound healing. Low platelet counts can lead to excess bleeding, while a high count can cause unwanted clots which can be harmful.
Platelet disorders can present various symptoms, including easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, excessive bleeding during menstruation, and unexplained rash or red and purple dots on the skin.
If you find these symptoms, consult a healthcare professional. They will recommend blood tests to evaluate your platelet count and function.
Yes, lifestyle and dietary changes can positively influence our body’s platelet production and function. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, alcohol moderation, and incorporating specific nutrients in your diet can all help support platelet health.
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