Low Platelet Count

A low platelet count condition can occur without any symptoms, and sometimes it can lead to serious complications.

Low platelet count

A low platelet count condition occurs when the bone marrow isn’t making enough platelets as it should, or for other causes. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting in cases of bleeding.

Thrombocytopenia can affect both children and adults, and it can’t be estimated how common it is because many people have it without symptoms.

Causes of low platelet count

• An enlarged spleen can trap more platelets than usual, which lowers the number of platelets in the bloodstream.
• Factors that decrease the production of platelets, such as cancers, chemotherapy, inherited disorders, certain viral infections, heavy alcohol consumption, and poor nutrition, especially low folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron.
• Factors that destroy the platelets or cause increased use of them, such as pregnancy, certain infections, like hepatitis C and HIV, autoimmune disorders, like lupus and immune thrombocytopenia with purpura, and certain medicines, like anticonvulsants.

Symptoms of low platelet count

• Easy bleeding and bruising.
• Petechiae (very tiny red, brown, or purple dots on the skin).
• Gum and nose bleeding.
• Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts.
• Blood in the vomit.
• Blood in the urine or stool.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• In rare cases, a low platelet count could cause internal bleeding.

Diagnosis of low platelet count

• Physical exam.
• Blood tests.

Treatment of low platelet count

• In cases with no symptoms, thrombocytopenia doesn’t require treatment.
• Treatment options include treating the underlying cause, medicines, platelet transfusion, and plasma exchange.