Low Platelets in Kids

A low platelet count in the blood is a disorder known as "thrombocytopenia." Low platelets can be caused by a variety of things, from side effects of medications to the patient's own body. It is a condition to be taken seriously and should be treated by a doctor. If your child has low platelets, you'll want to learn about the thrombocytopenia disorder.

Causes

• Low blood platelets in children is caused by either the child's body not producing enough platelets or the platelets actually being destroyed. According to MayoClinic.com, platelets can be destroyed for a number of reasons, including a deficiency of vitamin B12 and folic acid, cancer and chemotherapy. If your child's spleen is enlarged, it will recirculate captured platelets, which also could cause them to be destroyed.

Effects

• Low blood platelets can cause excessive bleeding if your child gets a cut or is injured. If the child loses a lot of blood, he could be at risk for a hemorrhage. This can be fatal if the child's platelet count is low enough. Low blood platelets can also cause severe anemia, confusion and other neurological problems. Kidney failure is also a risk to those with low blood platelets.

Preventative Measures

• Preventive measures can be taken to avoid low blood platelets, such as avoiding the use of medications that are found to lower platelet count, keeping vitamin B12 levels and folic acid at required levels and stopping the use of heparin products, if your child has heparin-induced thrombocytopenia.

Pediatric Hematologist

• A pediatric hematologist can determine the appropriate treatment of the child based on individual needs. According to MayoClinic.com, treatments include administering an antibody for Rh-positive patients, administering immunoglobulin, steroids or chemotherapy. The doctor may also decide to remove the spleen if it is found to be destroying platelets. The doctor will continue to observe the child on an ongoing basis for any changes.