Q: Is there any relationship between a significant decrease in platelets and a severe trauma to an extremity in a person with ITP (Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura)?

A:Yes there is. Platelet count drops in response to any trauma - surgical or otherwise, as the body uses them for healing purposes. In a patient of ITP, this may be significant and effort is made to keep the counts over 60-80,000/mcl to enable healing and prevent oozing from the wound site.