Is having low blood platelets bad? I'm really worried!?

Question

My cousin is a boy he's four years old. He has 6 blood platelets. The first time the doctors gave him blood, but when his platelets went down to 6 then they gave gave him blood platletes. His platelets keep going down. and the doctors don't know the cause. Does anyone know thye think why his platelets are going down , and how dangerous it can be. Thank you

Answer 1

Hi, I'm really sorry about your cousin. I know how upsetting this is for your family.

Your cousin's body is either not making enough platelets or is destroying his platelets. Whatever the cause, his problem is called a thrombocytopenia.

Have the symptoms been present for a long time? Were platelet counts ever found to be low in the past? Are there any other family members who might have similar symptoms or thrombocytopenia?

If the answer to these questions is yes, the cause of thrombocytopenia may be an inherited defect in platelet production, rather than autoimmune disease. Inherited thrombocytopenias are due to mutations in specific genes that play an important role during the development of platelets or the cells that make them, megakaryocytes. There are many forms of inherited thrombocytopenia, and all of them are rare. This means that physicians, even hematologists, will frequently mistake them for something else. Inherited thrombocytopenias are categorized by the pattern of inheritance, the size of the platelets, and whether or not there are other signs or symptoms that are part of a syndrome.

There are too many genetic disorders that can cause this, so email me for a list if you wish. Get him genetically tested. Other problems could be leukemia or damaged bone marrow.

On the other hand, his body could be destroying his platelets too. This would be an autoimmune disorder. ITP, or idiopathic thrombocytopenia can be found in kids, and is somewhat rather common, but docs would need to rule out everything before they diagnosed him with this. Do you know if his mom ever had low platelets while she was pregnant with him?

Did you mean that he literally has 6 platelets, or is it 6,000? In medicine a lot of docs write 6 X 10^3 for platelet counts...but even if it were 6,000 that would still be low, so sorry. Docs worry because platelets are found in the blood to help you clot. So, if your little cousin accidentally cut himself with something sharp, he could potentially not stop bleeding, which is very serious.

I know I've given you a ton of info, so, in my medical opinion (but remember this is based off a small amount of history you've given me), I would say ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia) or leukemia. This would definitely change if you guys have a family history of low platelets...then I would say a genetic disorder for sure.

Answer 2

Low blood platelets is a bad condition. Platelets are what causes blood to clot when there is bleeding.

The doctors will have to determine what is going on to cause the problem. I believe 150,000 is normal; I happen to have only 60,000 now - caused by hepetitis C which I believe was caused by Vietnam service (I was only diagnosed with non-a non-b in 1991. The test wasn't out then for hep-c), although I had two operations as a child, but don't believe I received transfusions.

Obviously, without clotting ability, any cut can be dangerous. I hope the doctors can figure out why the low blood platelet count.

Good luck.


Best regards,
Jim

Answer 3

Various types of anemia cause low blood platelets and/or are a sign or symptom thereof. Something else that causes low blood platelets is leukemia. I agree that "we don't know" is NOT A GOOD ENOUGH ANSWER. There are different types of anemia, some have to be treated within a few weeks or the outcome is not good. If your doctors don't have a solid plan of diagnosing what is wrong, take him to the E.R. of a hospital fairly large in size and refuse to take him home until someone tells you what is wrong with him. Specifically ask them to rule out all forms of anemia and leukemia, or to tell you what evidence there is that points to the conclusion that this is not something very seriously wrong with him. When you ask the doctors to tell you why you shouldn't be alarmed, I think they will begin to look at this just a little more seriously, for fear of a malpractice suit. How's his white blood count? If it's low, I'd really be concerned.

Answer 4

Critically low platelets open the door to hemorrhage, so yes it can be a serious condition called thrombocytopenia. Platelets are one of the elements that helps our blood clot and stop bleeding. Thrombocytopenia can be caused by low platelet production, an increase in the breakdown of platelets in the blood (intravsacular) or an increase in the breakdown of platelets in the liver or spleen (extravascular). There are several conditions that can cause thrombocytopenia and by far most are treatable. Until the underlying cause of his thrombocytopenia is determined, it can't be effectively treated. He may require periodic platelet transfusions for the time being. I'm sure his doctors are working to find the cause. You can help him by keeping his spirits up and helping him with the fears and the boredom he must be feeling.

Please don't let any answers, like the one below mine, that mention cancer alarm you. There are many non-cancerous causes for this.

Answer 5

Platelets disappear for one of two reasons--(1) the body does not produce enough platelets; or (2) the body is destroying the platelets. Since your cousin's platelet levels didn't hold after receiving platelets, it looks like his body is destroying them. People's immune systems sometimes mistake platelets for an infection, so the platelets get killed faster than they are produced. This conditions is called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). The cause of ITP is unknown. Its not uncommon for people with ITP to have platelet counts of 6 (which is actually 6,000 per milliliter of blood), or even fewer,

A person with a platelet count of 6 usually has small amounts bleeding under the skin, in the urine, and in the mucus linings of the nose and mouth. This type of bleeding is annoying, but not a major health risk. There is a small risk of internal bleeding, with very low platelet counts, but most people with very low platelet counts don't experience any serious problems because bloodclotting still occurs, but very slowly, and most other functions of platelets are also provided to some extent by the blood serum and red blood cells.

I once had a platelet count of zero for a little over a week. I had blood blisters in my mouth and on my lips, I had an unstoppable nose bleed, red dots all over my body from bleeding under the skin, and dark red urine. But I didn't actually feel bad, and I still went to work.

Since the platelet boost failed, the next thing the doctors need to do is administer something to suppress the immune system, and continue to rule out any type of cancer or blood disease with a few tests. Usually patients are given prednisone or IvIg (immunoglobulin) and if ITP is the cause, the platelets rebound very quickly.

Answer 6

I have a friend whos' son was in a similar situation. Over the course of two months and many many visits to different doctors(mom wasnt satisfied so kept taking him to different ones) he was diagnosis with a rare form of cancer. Nueroblastoma, Maybe i misspelled it, close enough. Cancer of the bone marrow. He passed away 3 years after being diagnosed. Bless his heart, he was 8 years old at this time. I wish you the best of luck and the child is in my prayers. Low platelets could be many different things, let pray that it can be fixed and not be a life threatning disease. Also have him tested for hemeophila, this disease is only found in males. Good luck and many blessing. Tell mom to keep the pressure on the doctors and if they cant find anything take him to another and another and another.

Answer 7

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It depends how low your platelets are. Though normal is between 150,000 and 400,000/ μl (microlitre) problems don't usually occur until levels drop to under 20,000. There are many fairly benign causes such as viral suppression and ITP ( idiopathic thombocytopaenic purpura ) which is treated with steroids. Certainly at very low levels spontaneous bleeding can occur.

Answer 8

well, it can be very dangerous. the doctors must investigate why the platelets are getting low - 'we don't know' isn't a good enough answer.

Answer 9

I had this problem about six months ago and mine mysteriously went back to normal all of the sudden but while I was worried and trying to figure it out I was told potassium helps and not to worry to much about that but i was 27 so it might be different for a six year old. But try more potassium.