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Suggest Dosage For Prednisolone

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Posted on Thu, 7 Jan 2016
Question: If an elderly patient has a PLT (platelet count) fall below 10 with a suspected diagnosis of immune thrombocytopaenia then, if prednisolone is administered, what daily dosage would be typical? Would a daily dosage of 40 mg of prednisolone substantially increase the risk that the person could become immunocompromised?
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Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Considerations

Detailed Answer:
hello and thank you for sending the question.

In a case of immune thrombocytopenic Purpura we generally wait until the play would count drops below at least 30,000 before considering treatment. If the platelet count has dropped below 10,000 then I think treatment consideration is very important.

For prednisone we generally consider 1 mg per kilogram of body weight to be a relatively appropriate dose. I think 40 mg may be adequate depending on the weight of the patient. While prednisone is immunosuppressive I don't think a temporary regiment of prednisone will put the patient at very high risk for infection. Of course the doctors need to monitor for any development of signs or symptoms of infection overt time. hopefully the platelet count will respond gradually over the next several days.

Thank you very much for sending your question. I wish you the best and continued good health.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina
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Answered by
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Dr. Robert Galamaga

Oncologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 2635 Questions

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Suggest Dosage For Prednisolone

Brief Answer: Considerations Detailed Answer: hello and thank you for sending the question. In a case of immune thrombocytopenic Purpura we generally wait until the play would count drops below at least 30,000 before considering treatment. If the platelet count has dropped below 10,000 then I think treatment consideration is very important. For prednisone we generally consider 1 mg per kilogram of body weight to be a relatively appropriate dose. I think 40 mg may be adequate depending on the weight of the patient. While prednisone is immunosuppressive I don't think a temporary regiment of prednisone will put the patient at very high risk for infection. Of course the doctors need to monitor for any development of signs or symptoms of infection overt time. hopefully the platelet count will respond gradually over the next several days. Thank you very much for sending your question. I wish you the best and continued good health. Sincerely, Dr. Galamaga