To what extent does the degree of thrombocytopenia correlate with the severity of cirrhosis?

The degree of thrombocytopenia in cirrhosis is dependent on multiple factors.

1. Decreased production of thrombopoietin by the liver. This can usually be overcome by the administration of a TPO-receptor agonist IF an increase in count is needed for a procedure and there is at least a week to prepare.
2. Splenomegaly. Depending on the size of the splenic volume (not just the length which is usually what is reported by radiology/ultrasound), platelets may be sequestered to a greater or lesser extent. Whether these platelets actually represent a functional part of the total body platelet mass available for bleeding is not clear, but it is known that in times of stress the spleen can release some of these platelets into the circulation.
3. Ongoing low...