Unusual Bleeding
Myelodysplastic syndrome can sometimes lead to the production of platelet-deficient cells in the bone marrow. This condition, known as Thrombocytopenia, occurs when the platelet count drops below 150,000 platelets per microliter of blood. As a result, individuals with Thrombocytopenia experience frequent and prolonged bleeding, as the reduced platelet count impairs the blood-clotting process.
Bruising and Petechiae: Signs of Low Platelet Count
When the body has a low platelet count, it becomes prone to frequent external bleeding as well as the development of bruising and petechiae. Bruising occurs when minor internal bleeding takes place, often as a result of broken capillaries or blood vessels. As a result, individuals with a low platelet count may notice that they bruise easily and that tiny red-purple spots, known as petechiae, appear on their skin in random clusters.