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What Causes Low Platelet Count?
Question: Hi I have platelette count of 129
My white blood cell count is normal
My Hematocrit (red blood cells i am assuming is normal)
What does this usually mean about the platelettes.
My white blood cell count is normal
My Hematocrit (red blood cells i am assuming is normal)
What does this usually mean about the platelettes.
Brief Answer:
not low enough to cause bleeding
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. In most labs the range is between 150 to 400, so your value is slightly below the norm.
At 129 , there would be no risk of bleeding though the value is abnormal.
Bleeding normally occurs when the values are at least less than 100.
In most cases when values such as your are seen once there are no symptoms related to the value, the doctor opts to repeat the test in a few weeks to months to see if there are any changes.
Causes of low platelet count are: (1) DECREASED PRODUCTION OF PLATELETS-
This can occur in (a)infections particularly viral infections
(b)leukemias or lymphomas because they suppress the bone marrow. In this case the hemoglobin would also be decreased and white blood cells increased
(c)side effect of medication
(d)alcohol abuse- because it is associated with vitamin b12 deficiency. vitamin b12 plays a part in the production
(e)vitamin b12 deficiency -not associated with alcohol use for eg due to lack in diet or failure of the body to absorb the vitamin
(2)INCREASED DESTRUCTION OF PLATELETS
This can occur in : (a)some autoimmune diseases
(b)certain types of kidney disease
(c)sepsis
(d)side effect of medication
(3)PLATELETS TRAPPED IN THE SPLEEN- this is called splenic sequestration
If you have a history of recent viral infection then it is possible that this is the cause.
If there are symptoms related to any of the conditions mentioned then your doctor may consider further testing.
If there are no additional symptoms then the main aspect of treatment would be repeat of the test at some point.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
not low enough to cause bleeding
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
Low platelet count is called thrombocytopenia. In most labs the range is between 150 to 400, so your value is slightly below the norm.
At 129 , there would be no risk of bleeding though the value is abnormal.
Bleeding normally occurs when the values are at least less than 100.
In most cases when values such as your are seen once there are no symptoms related to the value, the doctor opts to repeat the test in a few weeks to months to see if there are any changes.
Causes of low platelet count are: (1) DECREASED PRODUCTION OF PLATELETS-
This can occur in (a)infections particularly viral infections
(b)leukemias or lymphomas because they suppress the bone marrow. In this case the hemoglobin would also be decreased and white blood cells increased
(c)side effect of medication
(d)alcohol abuse- because it is associated with vitamin b12 deficiency. vitamin b12 plays a part in the production
(e)vitamin b12 deficiency -not associated with alcohol use for eg due to lack in diet or failure of the body to absorb the vitamin
(2)INCREASED DESTRUCTION OF PLATELETS
This can occur in : (a)some autoimmune diseases
(b)certain types of kidney disease
(c)sepsis
(d)side effect of medication
(3)PLATELETS TRAPPED IN THE SPLEEN- this is called splenic sequestration
If you have a history of recent viral infection then it is possible that this is the cause.
If there are symptoms related to any of the conditions mentioned then your doctor may consider further testing.
If there are no additional symptoms then the main aspect of treatment would be repeat of the test at some point.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
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
Answered by
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