Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

Diagnosis

The following can be used to determine whether you have thrombocytopenia:

• Blood test. A complete blood count determines the number of blood cells, including platelets, in a sample of your blood.
• Physical exam, including a complete medical history. Your doctor will look for signs of bleeding under your skin and feel your abdomen to see if your spleen is enlarged. He or she will also ask you about illnesses you've had and the types of medications and supplements you've recently taken.

Your doctor might suggest other tests and procedures to determine the cause of your condition, depending on your signs and symptoms.

Treatment

Thrombocytopenia can last for days or years. People with mild thrombocytopenia might not need treatment. For people who do need treatment for thrombocytopenia, treatment depends on its cause and how severe it is.

If your thrombocytopenia is caused by an underlying condition or a medication, addressing that cause might cure it. For example, if you have heparin-induced thrombocytopenia, your doctor can prescribe a different blood-thinning drug.

Other treatments might involve:

• Blood or platelet transfusions. If your platelet level becomes too low, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells or platelets.
• Medications. If your condition is related to an immune system problem, your doctor might prescribe drugs to boost your platelet count. The first-choice drug might be a corticosteroid. If that doesn't work, stronger medications can be used to suppress your immune system.
• Surgery. If other treatments don't help, your doctor might recommend surgery to remove your spleen (splenectomy).
• Plasma exchange. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura can result in a medical emergency requiring plasma exchange.

Lifestyle and home remedies

If you have thrombocytopenia, try to:

• Avoid activities that could cause injury. Ask your doctor which activities are safe for you. Contact sports, such as boxing, martial arts and football, carry a high risk of injury.
• Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all. Alcohol slows the production of platelets in your body. Ask your doctor whether it's OK for you to drink alcohol.
• Use caution with over-the-counter medications. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) can prevent platelets from working properly.

Preparing for your appointment

Start by seeing your primary care doctor, who can manage most cases of thrombocytopenia. In certain situations, he or she might refer you to a specialist in blood diseases (hematologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.

Make a list of:

• Warning signs you've noticed, such as any unusual bruising or bleeding or any rashes, and when they began
• Key personal information, including recent illnesses or medical procedures such as a blood transfusion, major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications, vitamins and other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take along a family member or friend, if possible, to help you remember the information you receive.

For thrombocytopenia, questions to ask your doctor include:

• How many platelets do I have in my blood?
• Is my platelet count dangerously low?
• What is causing my thrombocytopenia?
• Do I need more tests?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What are my treatment options?
• What will happen if I do nothing?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Are there printed materials I can have? What websites do you recommend?

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