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What Causes Low Blood Platelet Count?
Question: Hello Doctor
I have a very low platelet count usually. On Monday I noticed some prick marks on my body (as in ITP) so I went for a blood test and my platelet count has dropped to 7,000.
My doctor has said that as my body is steroid refractory, I cannot take steroids to keep platelets in control. To boost platelet count immediately he's suggesting Dexona and Revolade.
I'm looking for a second opinion and a permanent solution to my problem if any.
Thanks
I have a very low platelet count usually. On Monday I noticed some prick marks on my body (as in ITP) so I went for a blood test and my platelet count has dropped to 7,000.
My doctor has said that as my body is steroid refractory, I cannot take steroids to keep platelets in control. To boost platelet count immediately he's suggesting Dexona and Revolade.
I'm looking for a second opinion and a permanent solution to my problem if any.
Thanks
Brief Answer:
Revolade a temporary solution
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I am not sure from the history provided that this is ITP. Have we confirmed the diagnosis? The bone marrow is normal? Otherwise I would like to do a marrow to look at the diagnosis.
If it is confirmed chronic ITP and steroid refractory, we can consider revolade to increase the platelets. But it doesn't change the disease course, only increases platelets.
To modify the disease course, we can consider rituximab or intravenous immunoglobulin.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Revolade a temporary solution
Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query.
I am not sure from the history provided that this is ITP. Have we confirmed the diagnosis? The bone marrow is normal? Otherwise I would like to do a marrow to look at the diagnosis.
If it is confirmed chronic ITP and steroid refractory, we can consider revolade to increase the platelets. But it doesn't change the disease course, only increases platelets.
To modify the disease course, we can consider rituximab or intravenous immunoglobulin.
Hope this helps.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the response Dr Indranil.
Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration were done in 2013 with a vague result. Basically no finding, don't know if it was due to incapability of the physician who performed the test or due to lesser fluid in my body.
For this reason, doctors have established the probability of ITP.
Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration were done in 2013 with a vague result. Basically no finding, don't know if it was due to incapability of the physician who performed the test or due to lesser fluid in my body.
For this reason, doctors have established the probability of ITP.
Brief Answer:
Then another needed now
Detailed Answer:
Another definitive bone marrow should be done now. Then if ITP confirmed, to consider the meds I mentioned and if required, spleen removal.
Then another needed now
Detailed Answer:
Another definitive bone marrow should be done now. Then if ITP confirmed, to consider the meds I mentioned and if required, spleen removal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sir I do not want to go for Splenectomy as that is not a sure shot solution with a success rate of XXXXXXX 20% but involves a major surgery.
Splenectomy cannot even be done with such low platelets.
Splenectomy cannot even be done with such low platelets.
Brief Answer:
That is not what I suggested
Detailed Answer:
If you look at my reply carefully, you will note that I have not suggested to go for splenectomy now. I suggested meds and if required later then only splenectomy.
That is not what I suggested
Detailed Answer:
If you look at my reply carefully, you will note that I have not suggested to go for splenectomy now. I suggested meds and if required later then only splenectomy.
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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