What causes low platelet count in infants?

Low platelet count in infants, medically known as thrombocytopenia, may be caused by the following factors: 1. **Insufficient platelet production**: This can occur in certain pathological conditions such as aplastic anemia, acute leukemia, and infections, or due to the effects of certain toxins or medications, such as benzene and cyclophosphamide, which can impair platelet production and lead to a reduced platelet count. 2. **Excessive platelet destruction**: Certain medications such as sulfonamides, chloramphenicol, and antipyretics, or infections, can trigger an immune response in which the body produces anti-platelet antibodies, leading to excessive platelet destruction and a decreased platelet count. 3. **Abnormal platelet distribution**: Seen in conditions associated with hypersplenism or splenomegaly of various causes, excessive retention of platelets in the spleen can lead to a reduced platelet count in the bloodstream. 4. **Immune-mediated causes**: The infant's own immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, leading to a decrease in platelet count, as seen in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). 5. **Increased consumption or destruction**: Bleeding, surgery, tumors, or certain medications can cause an increased rate of platelet destruction.