
What Causes Low Blood Platelet Count?

Any infection can lower the platelet count
Detailed Answer:
Hi...any infection can lower the platelet count and it is not unusual. We need to work up for low platelet counts if the count is still low even after the kid has come out of the infection and is well.
I have a few questions for you -
1. Does he bleed a lot for small injuries also?
2. At any time while a vaccination is being given did he have unusually prolonged bleeding?
3. What was his platelet count during the time of infection and what is it now?
4. Does any blood relatives have any bleeding disorders or bleeding tendency?
5. Does have any skin bleeds or joint bleeds or patchy discoloration of the skin?
Kindly get back to me with answers and then I will be glad to guide you further.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth


He needs evaluatoin for bleeding disorder
Detailed Answer:
Hi... I have gone through your answers in detail. I feel that your kid requires evaluation for bleeding disorder.
Possibilities could be -
1. Chronic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura - any viral illness might have triggered it 6 months back and it might have been going on chronically.
2. Clotting factor deficiency.
I suggest you do these and consult a pediatric hematologist -
1. CBC - complete blood picture.
2. Platelet aggregation tests.
3. Bone marrow aspiration and look for megakaryocytic response.
4. Anti-platelet antibodies.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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