My son has broken blood vessels in his legs which looks speckled and discolored. He went to the doctor and got several blood test done. They determined he has hepatitis c and low blood platelets and is taking Levothyroxin 50 MCG to help raise his platelets. They just doubled it from 25 MCG. He has just gotten another blood test and is waiting for the results.
2007-09-25 20:21:16 · 2 answers · asked by PadPal 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
He is on Levothyroxin because the Doctor believes his thyroid is not working properly because of the liver not working right.
2007-09-25 20:37:12 · update #1
As the liver becomes damaged from hepatitis C, it develops fibrosis or scar tissue and becomes firm. As the liver becomes firm, it is difficult for blood to flow through the liver and it backs up in the spleen. The spleen normally chews up old platelets but when it becomes engorged with blood and large, it chews up good platelets and the platelet count goes down.
The first problem we encounter is that as the platelet count goes down it becomes more and more difficult to treat someone fpr example with interferon or the combination of interferon and ribavirin because these medications may also drive down the platelet count as one of their side effects.
More livef function tests are needed to determine how bad the liver is doing by other parameters; how severe are his other medical problems, is he a candiate for therapy, and might he be a candidate for transplant should he need one some day. Usually, patients with a low platelet count from hepatitis C don’t tend to bleed as much as individuals with low platelet counts for other reasons. However, if the platelet count becomes low enough there is some potential for bleeding.
You need a thoughtful and experienced physician to help you with these questions. If your current doctors won’t or can’t answer these questions, it might be appropriate to see a liver specialist for a second opinion.
His thrombocytopenia or low platelet count is caused by his Hepatitis C.
The doctor is right in giving him levothyroid medication. There is a strong realtionship between the thyroid gland and the liver. Thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine are essential for normal organ growth, development and function. These hormones regulate the basal metabolic rate of all cells, including hepatocytes, and thereby modulate hepatic function; the liver in turn metabolizes the thyroid hormones and regulates their systemic endocrine effects. Thyroid dysfunction may perturb liver function, liver disease modulates thyroid hormone metabolism, and a variety of systemic diseases affect both organs. The intricate relation between the thyroid gland and the liver play a role in health and disease
2007-09-25 21:04:24 · answer #1 · answered by rosieC 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am confused as to why your son would be on Levothyroxin for Hepatitis C. Levothyroxin is a generic for Synthroid, a drug that is give to patients with Hypothyroidism. I would check WebMD and/or Drugs.com for more information and off-label uses of this drug. Low platelets are usually seen in those who take blood thinners or who are on asprin therapy. I would also do some web searching for Low Platelet Count and see what you come up with.
2007-09-25 20:27:49 · answer #2 · answered by MHnurseC 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Levothyroxin is a drug for underactive thyroid, you need to be asking the doctor these questions, not people on the net. Low blood platelets can be caused from many things. Please dicuss this with the doctor and find out as much as you can about hepatitis C. You can also look many ailments on the web, but its best to talk to the doctor and ask many questions.
2007-09-25 20:36:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
since your son had Hepa-C, the liver can't function well. One of its function is the production of factor VII and IX which helps in the production of platelets in the blood. That's why your son's platelet count is low.
the danger of having a low platelet count is the risk for bleeding. That's why you really have to take good care of your son. One bump or wound, and it will be very hard to control the bleeding.
I hope your son will get well soon...
2007-09-25 20:37:38 · answer #4 · answered by Ms. know-it-all 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly if he has hep C that will have an effect on his body until he dies, it is viral and destroys the liver either very quickly or over a long period of time. There is no cure for Hep C. Over time he will get run down and be quite unwell. I have a young friend who has recently passed away from it. I agree with the prevous answer as well
2007-09-25 20:31:49 · answer #5 · answered by DAVID W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋