Low Platelet Count / Thrombocytopenia

Low Platelet Count / Thrombocytopenia: Low Platelet Count is also known as ThrombocytopeniarnPlatelets prevent unwanted bleeding by plugging themselves at the site of injuryrnLow platelet count leads to inefficient blood clotting and therefore bleeding episodesrnWhat are the signs & symptoms of Low Plate Count? • Fatigue or Increased weaknessrn• Dizzinessrn• Severe Headachern• Pain in the joints and musclesrn• Tiny red or purple spots under the skinrn• Jaundicern• Nose and Gum Bleedingrn• Bruising under the skin – especially on arms and legsrn• Prolonged bleeding from cutsrn• Bloody stools & urinern• Heavy menstrual periodsrnWhat causes Low Platelet Count? • Genetic Factors / Conditionsrn• Vitamin Deficiency – B12 and Folic Acidrn• Chemotherapy & Radiation Therapyrn• Liver failurern• Kidney Failurern• Enlarged Spleenrn• Viral or bacterial or Paraside infections – Hepatitis C, CMV, Hantavirus, Dengue, Helicobacter, Borrelia, Plasmodiumrn• Medication or Medical Treatmentrn• Anaemia • Blood Cancersrn• Metastatic Cancers of Prostate, Breast, Spleenrn• Niacin Toxicityrn• Lyme Diseasern• Allogenic / Unrelated Bone Marrow TransplantationrnHow is Low Platelet Count diagnosed? • Complete Physical Examrn• Complete Medical Historyrn• Complete Blood Picturern• Liver and Kidney Function Testsrn• Vitamin tests – Niacin, B12 and Folic Acidrn• Bone Marrow Biopsyrn• Imaging – Ultrasound, MRIrn• Genetic Testing - ADAMTS13, ANKRD26, CYCS, GATA1, GP1BA, GP1BB, GP9, ITGA2B, ITGB3, MASTL, MPL, MYH9, RUNX1, WASrnHow is Low Plate Count Treated? • Medication – Corticosteroids, Thrombin inhibitor, Immunoglobulins, • Surgeryrn• Blood or Platelet Transfusionrn• Plasma exchangernWhat are the self-care tips for preventing bleeding complications? • Take medications and supplements as prescribed regularlyrn• Understand from the doctor how to respond in case of heavy or uncontrolled bleedingrn• Consult your doctor before any dental proceduresrn• Stop using dental floss, if they are causing gum bleedingrn• Avoid activities that may cause injuriesrn• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking over the counter medicine (Aspirin, NSAIDs) as these may worsen the symptomsrn• Use a cool mist humidifier to prevent bleeding during coughingrn• Be watchful and careful while handling sharp tools or itemsrn• Use tooth brush with softer bristlesrn• Use a nail file with rounded ends instead of a clipper when grooming fingernails and toenailsrn• Do not strain while passing stoolsrn• Blow your nose gently using a soft tissuern• If razor is causing bleeding, use an electric shaverrnWhat are the different categories of Thrombocytopenia? • Inherited Thrombocytopeniarn• Drug-Induced Thrombocytopeniarn• Immune Mediated Thrombocytopeniarn• Non-Immune-Mediated Platelet Destructionrn• Low Platelets Associated with Other Autoimmune Diseasesrn• Low Platelets Associated with Cancerrn• Low Platelets Caused by Infectious Disease As one of the best heart hospitals in Hyderabad, Virinchi Hospitals have been successfully treating: Coronary Artery DiseasernHeart FailurernCardiac ArrhythmiarnOther Heart Problems Best of our heart specialists, nurses and support staff have been delivering remarkable care and services towards most complex and high risk cardiovascular conditions that are typically risky and challenging.