Scientists discover rare genetic condition that attacks kids’ immune systems
Overview Of Acquired Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is an atypically low platelet count. Acquired thrombocytopenia is caused by conditions that develop throughout your life instead of genes inherited from birth.
Acquired thrombocytopenia can develop for many different reasons, such as:
People with acquired thrombocytopenia may experience easy and severe bleeding and bruising due to a low platelet count. Symptoms often aren't noticeable if your platelet count is only slightly low.
Read on to learn more about this condition, including causes, symptoms, and treatment options.
A healthy platelet count in adults is between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. Thrombocytopenia is characterized by a platelet count below 150,000 platelets per microliter. People with acquired thrombocytopenia develop a low platelet count throughout their lives, as opposed to those with inherited thrombocytopenia caused by genes they receive from their parents.
Your platelet count can drop for several reasons, including:
Acquired thrombocytopenia can be immune or non-immune in origin depending on the underlying cause. Immune causes develop when your immune system attacks and destroys healthy platelets.
Potential immune causes include:
Other causes of acquired thrombocytopenia include:
Pregnancy and platelet countPlatelet counts often drop during pregnancy due to increased fluid in your blood and platelet activation. Platelet counts usually drop by about 10% in the third trimester.
Symptoms of acquired thrombocytopenia can include:
If your platelet count drops dangerously low, it can increase your risk of internal bleeding or bleeding in your brain. Bleeding in your brain is called a hemorrhagic stroke. These complications typically only develop when your platelet count drops extremely low.
If acquired thrombocytopenia is caused by thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), there is a risk of developing blood clots in small blood vessels throughout your body that can prevent blood flow to your organs.
It's essential to see a doctor if you develop signs of thrombocytopenia. They can run tests to check your blood count levels and may be able to prescribe medications to prevent the breakdown of platelets.
Medical emergency
It's essential to get immediate medical attention if you develop symptoms of cytopenia or symptoms of TTP. Go to the nearest emergency room if you experience:
To diagnose acquired thrombocytopenia, a doctor will:
They will also likely order blood tests, such as:
Treatment for acquired thrombocytopenia depends on the underlying cause. Mild cases may not require treatment.
Steroids are typically the first-line treatment for immune causes of thrombocytopenia. The most common regimens are 2 to 4 weeks of prednisone or 4 days of dexamethasone (DexPak, Decadron).
Additionally, medications like eltrombopag (Promacta) or romiplostim (Nplate) can help your body make more platelets.
If medications alone are not effective, you may need blood or platelet transfusions, or spleen removal.
TTP requires immediate treatment to avoid life threatening complications. It should ideally be treated with a plasma exchange within 4 to 8 hours. Plasma exchange involves removing the liquid part of your blood to retrieve antibodies or other harmful substances before returning it to your blood.
Most people with immune thrombocytopenia either do not have symptoms or have minor symptoms like frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums.
In children, thrombocytopenia triggered by viral illness resolves itself in about two-thirds of cases.
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is a medical emergency that has a mortality rate of over 90% without treatment. Early-on plasma exchange drops the mortality rate to between 10% and 20%.
Thrombocytopenia may not always be preventable.
You can prevent infections that may trigger it by taking steps such as:
Here are some frequently asked questions people have about acquired thrombocytopenia.
What is the most common cause of acquired thrombocytopenia?
Infections are one of the most common causes of acquired thrombocytopenia. Many viruses can trigger thrombocytopenia, including herpes viruses and the varicella-zoster virus that causes chickenpox.
Can stress cause low platelets?
Mental or physical stress may activate platelets in your blood. This activation can lower the number of platelets circulating through your blood.
How can you increase your platelet count?
Eating an overall health-promoting diet can help support your body's production of platelets. Some nutrients required for blood cell health include:
Acquired thrombocytopenia is a low platelet count that develops throughout your life. It can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause.
Many people with thrombocytopenia never develop symptoms, but some people develop life threatening complications like internal bleeding. It's important to get medical attention if you notice you're bruising or bleeding easier than usual.
Dear Doctor: I'm Confused About What's Considered 'normal' Blood Pressure
DEAR DR. ROACH: I have been confused about what normal blood pressure is for me (or anyone). I know there are some issues on what normal is today, but let us say that normal is 120/80 mm Hg. Does this mean that 110/90 mm Hg, 130/70 mm Hg, or 150/50 mm Hg is also normal? Is there any significance of the ratio of systolic/diastolic blood pressure? -- L.P.
ANSWER: Because so many people have high blood pressure, and the consequences of untreated or poorly treated high blood pressure include a risk for heart attack and stroke, it's critically important to understand this thoroughly.
For a young, healthy person, the lower the blood pressure, the lower the risk of blood vessel damage that leads to these dreaded complications of heart attack and stroke. I routinely see people with blood pressures of 90/60 mm Hg who are just fine (although they are a bit more likely to faint).
But for middle-aged and older people, we define normal blood pressure as when the systolic (first or top number) pressure is less than 120 mm Hg and the diastolic (the second or bottom number) is less than 80 mm Hg. Elevated blood pressure is when the systolic pressure is between 120-129 mm Hg and the diastolic pressure is less than 80 mm Hg. It's considered hypertension when the systolic number is 130 mm Hg or greater, or the diastolic number is 80 mm Hg or greater. So, all of the readings you proposed are hypertension, not just elevated blood pressure.
Of course, the higher the reading (in general), the higher the risk of damage to the blood vessels, and after some years, the higher the risk of heart attack or stroke. It's not the ratio of the systolic and diastolic numbers that is of interest; it's the difference between them (also called the pulse pressure). So, with the numbers you gave, the pulse pressures are 20, 60 and 100. Independent of blood pressure levels, a higher pulse pressure confers additional risk to the person, mostly because very stiff blood vessels cause a high pulse pressure. Different types of blood pressure medicines affect pulse pressure differently.
DEAR DR. ROACH: Is a platelet count of 135,000 low or in the normal range for a 76-year-old male in good health with no signs of abnormal bruising or bleeding? -- P.R.
ANSWER: The normal range for a platelet count is 150,000-450,000 per microliter, so 135,000 is just below the lower limit of normal. However, it's quite rare to have abnormal bleeding with a platelet count like this, even under stress like a surgical procedure. About 2.5% of the healthy population will have a platelet count below 150,000, so a level of 135,000 may not represent disease at all. Typically, the risk of spontaneous major bleeding becomes high when platelet levels drop below 30,000.
The most common cause of low platelets in older adults is an immune-mediated condition called "immune thrombocytopenia," but there are many possible causes, including medications, bone marrow diseases, and liver disease. For a 76-year-old, if repeat blood counts show that the platelet count is stable in the 100,000 range, most experts would not do further testing in absence of any symptoms.
* * *
Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.Cornell.Edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.
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Cure For Dengue Fever: Increase Your Platelet Count With These 8 Foods In Your Daily Diet
August 21, 2024 / 08:55 IST
Dengue fever is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. It is characterised by a sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and rash, dengue fever can range from mild to severe. In its more severe forms, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, it can lead to significant complications, including bleeding, plasma leakage, and shock. Dengue is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, making it a major public health concern in many parts of the world. (Image: Canva) Dengue fever can lead to a decrease in platelet count, which is a concern because low platelets (thrombocytopenia) can increase the risk of bleeding. While medical treatment is essential, certain natural approaches may help support platelet count recovery. Always consult with a healthcare provider before trying new remedies, especially in the context of a serious illness like dengue. Dr Sapna Rana from RKG Healthcare Hospital, Pune, suggests eight natural ways that might help increase platelet count. (Image: Canva) Papaya leaf juice: Papaya leaf juice is believed to help increase platelet count and improve overall blood health. Extract the juice from fresh papaya leaves and consume a small amount daily. Consult with a doctor for an appropriate dosage. (Image: Canva) Pomegranate juice: Pomegranate is rich in iron and vitamins that support blood health. Drink fresh pomegranate juice daily to help boost platelet levels. (Image: Canva) Beetroot: Beetroot is rich in essential nutrients like iron, which supports red blood cell production. Consume fresh beetroot juice or include beetroot in your diet. (Image: Canva) Spinach: Spinach contains vitamins and minerals that promote healthy blood production. Include fresh spinach in salads, smoothies, or cooked dishes. (Image: Canva) Vitamin C-rich foods: Vitamin C helps in the absorption of iron, which can support healthy platelet production. Eat foods high in vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, and bell peppers. (Image: Canva) Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds are thought to have properties that may help increase platelet count. Soak a teaspoon of fenugreek seeds in water overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning. (Image: Canva) Aloe vera juice: Aloe vera is believed to support overall health and may aid in maintaining healthy platelet levels. Drink aloe vera juice as directed by a healthcare professional. (Image: Canva) Nettle leaf tea: Nettle leaves are known for their potential to support blood health. Brew nettle leaves into tea and drink it regularly. (Image: Canva)Nivedita is a Delhi-based journalist who writes on health, fashion, lifestyle and entertainment. Views expressed are personal.
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