Treatments for Low Blood Platelets

Platelets are colorless, irregularly shaped bodies in the blood, 20 percent the size of red blood cells, that help form blood clots, along with calcium, Vitamin K and a protein called fibrin. When an injury occurs, platelets in the blood converge on the area and form a clot, which in turn becomes a scab. Treatment for a low blood platelet count is relatively narrow, generally consisting of management of condition, or, in very severe cases, a platelet transfusion.

About Platelets

• Platelets are one-fifth the size of red blood cells. They usually have a life span of about 10 days. One milliliter of blood contains anywhere from 150-400 million platelets. Newborns have less than the normal amount of platelets than adults do, but by 3 months of age usually have the regular amount. A lack of platelets inhibits the blood clotting process, vital to the healing process, even for small injuries. Severe cases of low platelet counts can cause a person to bleed to death, as with hemophilia. At very low levels, bleeding under the skin begins to occur without injuries.

Symptoms and Causes of Reduced Platelet Count

• Low blood platelet count, or thrombocytopenia, can be indicated by bleeding underneath the skin, a difficulty in clotting, bruising, blood in the stool, nose bleeds and oral bleeds. It is often caused by other conditions or treatments for other conditions, such as radiation or chemical chemotheraphy, HIV infection or a medication side effect. Blood and marrow disorders can also cause a low platelet count.

Threatment of Thrombocytopenia

• The main and really only treatment for thrombocytopenia is a platelet infusion, but this does not last for more than a few days and fails to address the underlying cause of the lack of platelets. Since platelets don't live longer than ten days to begin with, and platelet bags do not contain absolutely fresh platelets, a platelet transfusion will only help matters for a few days, certainly less than a week. This is why many doctors are reluctant to order platelet transfusions. The main emphasis is on managing the condition until the underlying cause is addressed, at which point the thrombocytopenia will cease. If the cause is a disorder which causes the antibodies to destroy platelets, a corticosteroid can be prescribed to prevent this temporarily. If after the drug is discontinued and the problem recurs, the patient may be required to continue on the drug indefinitely. It is very important to get medical attention when symptoms of a blood disorder occur, as they can lead to death.

Management of the Thrombocytopenic Condition

• Management of the thrombocytopenic condition can be tricky, but is essential. A patient with thrombocytopenia should avoid anything sharp, such as knifes or jagged edges of furniture. Furniture that obstructs the path of the person should moved or removed. The person should use a soft bristle toothbrush very, very gently and should refrain from using manual razors (use an electric razor). Wear slippers or shoes at all times in order to protect the feet from injury, even indoors. Wear lip balm to keep lips from cracking. Use stool softener to avoid constipation. During coughing, take care to not be vigorous. The same goes for nose blowing. Do not floss. If bleeding occurs, hold firm pressure to it for five minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, go to the emergency room.

Over-the-counter Pain Medication During Thrombocytopenia

• If you are thrombocytopenic, avoid using aspirin and ibuprofen as they are blood thinners and will make the problem worse. Avoid non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen sodium (Aleve) as well. Instead, stick to acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen does not have blood thinning effects.