What is congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia?

Also known as: CAT, CAMT.

Megakaryocytes are formed in the bone marrow from an early stem cell, and they, through a complex process produce platelets which play a very important role in blood clotting and the prevention of bleeding.

CAT is a rare disorder (there are two types) found in infants where there are very few megakaryocytes and platelets in bone marrow, and while initially the bone marrow produces red and white cells this eventually decreases /stops so the baby/child has a lack of platelets, red cells and white cells.

Children with CAT may be at risk for other bone marrow diseases.

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Reviewed by: Jack Wolfsdorf, MD, FAAP

This page was last updated on: 1/29/2019 3:21:13 PM