HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can Platelet Count Be Increased?

Hi Doctor, I am Swati My father is suffering from low platelets count. He is admitted in IGIMS, Patna since last 1 week but we are not able to see any progress. Yesterday he was given single donor platelet followed by IVIG after which the count shooted from 5000 to 46000 but today again the count dropped to 17000. 2nd dose of IGIV is beign given now. We are not able to understand what is happening. Please advice us. I can share the reports with you if you want. Please help us! Swati
Mon, 16 Oct 2017
Report Abuse
Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Normal150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body continually renews your platelet supply by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.

Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or it may be caused by a number of medications or conditions.

Thrombocytopenia is due to decreasedproduction or increase destruction.

Decreased production of platelets

Factors that can decrease platelet production include:
1.Leukemia
2.Some types of anemia
3.Viral infections, such as hepatitis C
or HIV
4.Chemotherapy drugs
5.Heavy alcohol consumption

Increased breakdown of platelets


1.Pregnancy. Thrombocytopenia caused by pregnancy is usually mild and improves soon after childbirth
2.Immune thrombocytopenia. This type is caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. If the exact cause of this condition isn't known, it's called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This type more often affects children.

3.Bacteria in the blood. Severe bacterial infections involving the blood (bacteremia) may lead to destruction of platelets.

4.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This is a rare condition that occurs when small blood clots suddenly form throughout your body, using up large numbers of platelets.

5.Hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare disorder causes a sharp drop in platelets, destruction of red blood cells and impairment of kidney function. Sometimes it can occur in association with a bacterial Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection, such as may be acquired from eating raw or undercooked meat.

6.Medications. Certain medications can reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Sometimes a drug confuses the immune system and causes it to destroy platelets. Examples include heparin, quinine, sulfa-containing antibiotics and anticonvulsants.
Your father suffering from Idiopathic or immune mediated thrombocytopenia(ITP).
Treated with
1. Immunosuppressents
2.Thrombopoietin receptor agonists — such as romiplostim (Nplate) and eltrombopag (Promacta)
3.IGIV
Some treatment resistant cases spleenectomy also required.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 
Loading Online Doctors....
How Can Platelet Count Be Increased?

Normal150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body continually renews your platelet supply by producing new platelets in your bone marrow. Thrombocytopenia can be inherited or it may be caused by a number of medications or conditions. Thrombocytopenia is due to decreasedproduction or increase destruction. Decreased production of platelets Factors that can decrease platelet production include: 1.Leukemia 2.Some types of anemia 3.Viral infections, such as hepatitis C or HIV 4.Chemotherapy drugs 5.Heavy alcohol consumption Increased breakdown of platelets 1.Pregnancy. Thrombocytopenia caused by pregnancy is usually mild and improves soon after childbirth 2.Immune thrombocytopenia. This type is caused by autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. The body s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets. If the exact cause of this condition isn t known, it s called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. This type more often affects children. 3.Bacteria in the blood. Severe bacterial infections involving the blood (bacteremia) may lead to destruction of platelets. 4.Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This is a rare condition that occurs when small blood clots suddenly form throughout your body, using up large numbers of platelets. 5.Hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare disorder causes a sharp drop in platelets, destruction of red blood cells and impairment of kidney function. Sometimes it can occur in association with a bacterial Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection, such as may be acquired from eating raw or undercooked meat. 6.Medications. Certain medications can reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Sometimes a drug confuses the immune system and causes it to destroy platelets. Examples include heparin, quinine, sulfa-containing antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Your father suffering from Idiopathic or immune mediated thrombocytopenia(ITP). Treated with 1. Immunosuppressents 2.Thrombopoietin receptor agonists — such as romiplostim (Nplate) and eltrombopag (Promacta) 3.IGIV Some treatment resistant cases spleenectomy also required.