“What is the cause of low platelet count?”
I have a low platelet count. Is it serious? What should I do?
3 Answers
Hematologist-OncologistHematologist-Oncologist
The causes are multifactorial. Low platelets could be cause by anticoagulants, autoimmune diseases, cancer, drugs, Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), Disseminated Intravascular coagulation (DIC), and infections (bacterial and viruses).. Thank you.
There are many potential causes of low platelets including the false appearance of having low platelets due to clumping of the specimen in the test tube. A formal workup needs to be performed to determine whether the low platelet count is real and if so, what the cause is to determine the next step in the plan.
There are 2 reasons for low platelets; either the bone marrow is producing less or there is increased destruction of platelets that are produced. There are a number of reasons for both causes which need to be investigated for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Whether this is dangerous depends on the cause and the resultant platelet count.
