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Is Platelet Count Of 5000 A Cause For Concern?
Question: Hi Doctor - My father is 62, 5ft and weight is around 65Kgs. We just got his blood test report and the platelet count is only 5000cells(0.05 cells/cu.mm) as opposed to the normal value of 1.5 lakh cells. He does not have any bleeding issues while brushing teeth or passing urine/motion. Can you please suggest what we need to do inorder to increase his platelet count
Brief Answer:
Low platelets cannot be corrected by food or drugs, cause needs to be known
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Platelet count of 5000/ cubic mm is critically low and is risk factor for spontaneous bleeding.
There is no medication or food to increase platelet count.
Platelet count can be increased once the stimulus for decreased platelet is removed.
Certain drugs can decrease platelet count.
Is your father on any medication for any disease process?
Viral infections are also known to drastically reduce the platelet count.
Along with platelet count, coagulation tests- PT, INR and aPTT need to be done to know the status of coagulation profile.
In very acute condition, platelets can be transfused to correct the low platelet counts.
Thus, consult your doctor for these investigations and to rule out any other co-existing condition likely to reduced platelet count.
If no cause is found, bone marrow aspiration may be required.
Consult a hematologist at the earliest.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Low platelets cannot be corrected by food or drugs, cause needs to be known
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Platelet count of 5000/ cubic mm is critically low and is risk factor for spontaneous bleeding.
There is no medication or food to increase platelet count.
Platelet count can be increased once the stimulus for decreased platelet is removed.
Certain drugs can decrease platelet count.
Is your father on any medication for any disease process?
Viral infections are also known to drastically reduce the platelet count.
Along with platelet count, coagulation tests- PT, INR and aPTT need to be done to know the status of coagulation profile.
In very acute condition, platelets can be transfused to correct the low platelet counts.
Thus, consult your doctor for these investigations and to rule out any other co-existing condition likely to reduced platelet count.
If no cause is found, bone marrow aspiration may be required.
Consult a hematologist at the earliest.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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. Vinay Bhardwaj
Answered by
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