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Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD ( is an infertility specialist in San Francisco, CA specializing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and maternal and fetal medicine. She graduated from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine in 2009 and has 15 years of experience. Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD ( is affiliated with UCSF Health, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals and Hill Physicians.
1825 4th Street M3262a
San Francisco, CA 94143
400 Parnassus Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94143
Thrombocytopenia (Low Platelet Count)
Thrombocytopenia is a disorder where people have too few platelets. With too few platelets in the bloodstream, the blood is unable to properly clot. People with thrombocytopenia may experience prolonged external and internal bleeding. Large purple bruises (ecchymoses) and small red skin spots (petechiae) in the skin and mouth are common in those with thrombocytopenia. Other symptoms of the disorder include bleeding gums, blood in bodily fluids, and fatigue. Thrombocytopenia most often arises from a different condition or treatment, such as alcoholism, autoimmune disease, cancer treatments, viruses (such as Hepatitis C and HIV), bone marrow diseases (such as leukemia and aplastic anemia), enlarged spleen, and exposure to toxic chemicals. In rare cases, thrombocytopenia is inherited.
If a doctor suspects a patient has a thrombocytopenia, a complete blood count (CBC) or platelet count test helps determine the concentration of platelets in a person's blood at a given time. Thrombocytopenia can be diagnosed by hematologists using advanced tests on platelet samples. Flow cytometry tests detect abnormalities by evaluating the characteristics of a platelet sample using targeted lasers and lights.
Treatments for low platelet counts include steroids like Prednisone, that can assist with platelet production. If a patient's low platelet count is caused by spleen problems, spleen removal (splenectomy) may be recommended. To treat the prolonged bleeding caused by thrombocytopenia, doctors frequently prescribe Dempressin, a hormone that promotes blood clotting. Antifibrinolytic medications such as tranexamic acid may also aid in the promotion of clotting and the prevention of bleeding. For patients with severe platelet disorders (either low platelet count and dysfunctional platelets), blood transfusions may be prescribed. Platelet blood transfusions deliver donated platelets to patients intravenously, replenishing the volume of functioning platelets.
Patients can also modify their lifestyle to better manage their disorder and minimize complications. Patients with low blood counts should avoid blood-thinning medications, alcohol, and activities that could lead to injury. Many people with thrombocytopenia can live healthy and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and precautions.
Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD ( graduated from University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine in 2009. She completed residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She is certified by the Clinical Genetics and Genomics, American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics and has a state license in California.
Medical School: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine (2009)
Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital (2013)
Board Certification: Clinical Genetics and Genomics, American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics
Licensed In: California
Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD ( is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD ( appears to accept the following insurance providers: Cigna, Blue Shield, Aetna, Anthem, UnitedHealthcare, Health Net, Chinese Community Health Plan, Brand New Day and Canopy Health.
According to our sources, Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD ( accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Teresa Nicole Sparks, MD (. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$3,642
$3,642 |
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$28
BEVYXXA $28 |
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Dr. Teresa Sparks practices maternal and fetal medicine and reproductive endocrinology and infertility in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Sparks's areas of expertise include congenital diaphragmatic hernia, gastroschisis, and congenital heart disease. Her professional affiliations include UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, UCSF Health, and Hill Physicians. She obtained her medical school training at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine and performed her residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital.
