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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For Reduced Platelet Count In An Elderly Person

I m a 52 year old female currently experiencing a low platelet count (109), and neuropothy in my lower left leg (outside area). My B12 and Folic acids are great and I am not on any medications known to lower platelet levels. I am a diabetic (non insulin dependent). Any ideas?
Mon, 12 Dec 2016
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Internal Medicine Specialist 's  Response
Hello
You mention you have low platelets or thrombocytopenia.
You mention you are not taking any medications that can lower platelets. You also mention you are diabetic, make sure you are not taking aspirin, as most diabetics are. Aspirin can cause low platelets.
Do you have any bruising or do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? And are your white blood cell count and hemoglobin levels normal? These abnormalities can help identify blood disorders such as myelodysplasia.
Also, you do not mention how low the platelets are. Less than 9, 000 means you are at risk for spontaneous intracranial bleeding, and should be evaluated promptly.
Lastly, many infections can cause low platelets such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, among others.
You did not mention where you live nor any recent travel history which may help identify a possible infection.
Also, if you have any other symptoms such as rash, fatigue, fever, chills or abdominal pain they may help identify the cause of the low platelets.

In summary I am unable to give you the exact cause of your low platelets, but a general guideline.
Best regards
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Suggest Treatment For Reduced Platelet Count In An Elderly Person

Hello You mention you have low platelets or thrombocytopenia. You mention you are not taking any medications that can lower platelets. You also mention you are diabetic, make sure you are not taking aspirin, as most diabetics are. Aspirin can cause low platelets. Do you have any bruising or do your gums bleed when you brush your teeth? And are your white blood cell count and hemoglobin levels normal? These abnormalities can help identify blood disorders such as myelodysplasia. Also, you do not mention how low the platelets are. Less than 9, 000 means you are at risk for spontaneous intracranial bleeding, and should be evaluated promptly. Lastly, many infections can cause low platelets such as dengue, chikungunya and zika, among others. You did not mention where you live nor any recent travel history which may help identify a possible infection. Also, if you have any other symptoms such as rash, fatigue, fever, chills or abdominal pain they may help identify the cause of the low platelets. In summary I am unable to give you the exact cause of your low platelets, but a general guideline. Best regards