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Suggest Treatment For Low Platelet Count

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Posted on Wed, 20 Jan 2016
Question: I appreciate that a seriously falling PLT (platelet) count can have various causes. If the PLT count falls below 10 then, theoretically, could there be any possible REVERSIBLE conditions apart from ITP (immune thrombocytopaenia)? If so, could you please give me some examples? I realise that other pathological data, etc., need to be considered. So this is only a very general question. Also, I understand that an acute transformation of an overlap myeloproliferative/myelodysplasticity disorder is normally accompanied by an increase in the WCC and more than 20% blasts? Am I right in thinking that in such a case the WCC is not usually slightly elevated, eg., as it may be in the case of an infection, but is fairly high?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (47 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes infection can cuse such picture

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for your query.

As you have admitted yourself, this is a general question and no specific data have been provided. So I will answer accordingly.

Any infection, especially viral (eg dengue hemorrhagic fever) and some parasites (malaria) or fungal (candida) can cause low platelets and it is reversible if the patient improves with therapy.

Also in a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation, this can happen.

Yes, usually acute transformation of an overlap myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic disorder is accompanied by an increase in the WBC count and more than 20% blasts. Total WBC count may or may not be elevated. In infection also, some infections, particularly viral, fungal or parasitic may not have elevated WBC count.

Hope this helps.
regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (18 hours later)
Thank you Dr XXXXXXX for your very informative and helpful response. You mentioned DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation. (1) Can this condition reverse only if treated or does it have the capacity to resolve itself. (2) if it is treatable then is there a standard treatment, and (3) What are some of the causes of DIC, if any causes are known?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
no it requires treatment

Detailed Answer:
Dic always needs treatment. Usually by plasma and platelets transfusion.

Causes include infections, trauma, burns, pancreatitis, etc
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Indranil Ghosh

Oncologist

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 1712 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Low Platelet Count

Brief Answer: yes infection can cuse such picture Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for your query. As you have admitted yourself, this is a general question and no specific data have been provided. So I will answer accordingly. Any infection, especially viral (eg dengue hemorrhagic fever) and some parasites (malaria) or fungal (candida) can cause low platelets and it is reversible if the patient improves with therapy. Also in a condition called disseminated intravascular coagulation, this can happen. Yes, usually acute transformation of an overlap myeloproliferative/myelodysplastic disorder is accompanied by an increase in the WBC count and more than 20% blasts. Total WBC count may or may not be elevated. In infection also, some infections, particularly viral, fungal or parasitic may not have elevated WBC count. Hope this helps. regards