What Are the Treatments for Low Platelets?

Thrombocytopenia is the medical expression for a low blood platelet count. Platelets (thrombocytes) are blood cells that help the blood clot. They prevent blood loss by bunching together and plugging up blood vessel holes. Thrombocytopenia can result from a medical disorder, faulty immune system function or as a side effect of medication. Treatments will vary based on several factors.

General Treatment Information

• You can have thrombocytopenia without experiencing any symptoms, precluding the need for any treatment; this is especially true of children. In these instances, the bone marrow compensates for the lack of platelets by making large amounts of new ones until whatever triggered the condition improves or goes away. Pregnant women sometimes experience thrombocytopenia, but treatment is not usually necessary since platelet counts usually return to normal once they have given birth.

  Often, your only treatment might consist of treating the disorder causing thrombocytopenia or adjusting medications. Other times, it will lead to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura( ITP), a condition that can cause easy and excessive bruising and bleeding. You will need treatment that specifically addresses ITP

Medications

• Medications aim to block the antibodies that attack platelets. Typically, this includes corticosteroids and in the event you need to rapidly raise your platelet count, intravenous immunoglobulin. If steroids prove ineffective, you might be prescribed immunosuppressants that inhibit the formation of the offending antibodies; commonly prescribed medications include Cytoxan or Imuran.

Surgery

• The spleen plays an important role in the production of blood cells and any blood disorders affect its proper functioning. If you are not responding to the standard medications, a splenectomy (removing the spleen) can improve ITP.

Blood Transfusion and Plasma Exchange

• If your bleeding is severe, you will get a blood transfusion consisting of red blood cells. You will also receive platelet concentrates, especially if your condition is related to cancer or cancer treatments.

  In some cases, you can develop thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which causes sudden blood clots in the body that can block oxygen flow to vital organs. This is a very serious condition that requires a plasma exchange in addition to the above treatments. Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood that plays a very important role in the bleeding and clotting functions. During this procedure, some of your blood is removed, new plasma is put into it and the blood is returned to your body.

Self-Care

• If you have thrombocytopenia, you should avoid aspirin; it interferes with platelet activity. Minimize your intake of alcohol and avoid contact sports that increase your chance of injury and bleeding.