Hi Low platelet count indicates reduced production of platelets or raised breakdown of platelets. Platelets can also be trapped in greater numbers by a belly organ called the spleen. This can happen when the spleen is bigger than usual, which can occur due to of a number of conditions. Platelets are produced by the bone marrow and travel in the blood for around 7 to 10 days before being destroyed. The medication and other causes above lead to lower bone marrow production of platelets. Other causes affecting production include: Leukemia and other cancers that can replace the bone marrow, so fewer platelets are made Some types of a blood condition called anemia Infections with viruses, including HIV and hepatitis C Sepsis Acute respiratory distress syndrome Platelets can also be destroyed in a small proportion of pregnancies toward full term. This condition is usually mild enough not to need treatment and returns to normal in time. If platelet counts are not very low and there are no symptoms, the condition may be left untreated. For platelet counts that are low enough to cause concern, the problem behind it may be treated. The range of possible causes is wide. Treatment could be to stop taking a drug or to deal with an underlying medical condition. For cases of ITP, treatment may include drugs that suppress the immune system. One such drug is the corticosteroid drug called prednisone. Cases of ITP that do not respond after a year may be treated with surgery to remove the spleen. Emergency cases can be treated with a transfusion of platelets. Regards DR DE