What Level of Platelets are Dangerous?

Low Platelet Count: When Is It Dangerous and What Causes It?

Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are tiny cells responsible for helping blood to form clots. The normal platelet count often ranges between 150,000 and 450,000/μL. However, a platelet count below 50,000/μL increases bleeding risk, but the danger becomes significant when levels fall below 20,000/μL, and severe risk exists at <10,000/μL.   

What is Thrombocytopenia? 

It is a condition under which the bone marrow cannot produce enough platelets. Platelets are blood cells responsible for forming blood clots that help stop blood flow when there is a cut. Thrombocytopenia is defined as a platelet count below 150,000/µL. Levels below 50,000/µL indicate moderate to severe thrombocytopenia. 

What are the Symptoms of Low Platelet Count? 

During the mild stage of having a low platelet count, there are no visible symptoms. However, when symptoms start to present themselves, one of the first ones is a cut or nose bleeding that will not stop. 

• Bleeding Gums: You will find blood on your toothbrush after brushing your teeth, or your gums might also feel swollen. 
• Blood in Stool: Your stool will appear very dark in colour. 
• Bleeding while urinating: If you notice something unusual, such as a pale pink colour, you might be passing blood in your urine. 
• Blood in Vomit: Seeing blood in vomit is a sign of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. 
• Experiencing Intense Bleeding during Menstruation: It also affects your bleeding during periods. If you are bleeding for more than 7 days or the quantity is more than usual, you may have menorrhagia.  
• Bruises: They form when blood collects in one area under your skin. You will observe the formation of such bruises more than usual. 

Other Potential Symptoms include: 

• Purpura (large patches of bleeding under the skin) 
• Prolonged bleeding from minor cuts 
• Rectal bleeding 
• Fatigue 
• Enlarged spleen 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes, in some cases) 
• Internal bleeding 
• Dizziness 

What Causes Low Platelet Count? 

The reason you might be experiencing a low platelet count may be because of any of the three categories: 

• Your bone marrow is not functioning properly, as there is a lack of platelet formation. It can be due to blood cancer, such as leukaemia or lymphoma. 
• Another reason can be a condition which uses up your platelet supply or destroys it. Here, your bone marrow produces enough platelets but falls short because of the condition. 
• Your spleen stores up to 1/3 of the total platelet supply. However, it traps these platelets from circulating in your bloodstream. 

How Do Experts Diagnose Low Platelet Count? 

Medical experts tend to conduct a physical examination, such as checking bruises, rashes, and other symptoms that point towards a low platelet count. Other tests are: 

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): In this test, they check your platelet level and levels of red and white blood cells. 
• Blood Clot Test: It measures the overall time taken for your blood sample to clot. 
• Peripheral Blood Smear Test: A microscope is used to examine your platelets. 
• Bone Marrow Biopsy: This is advised only when the cause of thrombocytopenia remains unclear or bone marrow disease is suspected.   

What is the Treatment for Low Platelet Count? 

Based on the tests, experts will come to know the underlying cause of low platelet count. Platelet count can be used to treat the underlying issues. However, other treatments include the following: 

• Blood Transfusion: This method is suitable when the platelet count is extremely low. This temporarily increases platelet levels for a short period, usually hours to a couple of days, depending on the underlying condition. 
• Steroids: They help prevent the immune system from destroying platelets, especially in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). 
• Splenectomy: If the spleen is responsible for trapping platelets, this surgery is done to remove the spleen. 

If you have a low platelet count or are at risk of developing one, consulting a medical professional in the initial stages for a preventative plan will be helpful. 

How Do I Take Care of Myself If I have Thrombocytopenia? 

Let’s discuss about some ways which can help take care if you have thrombocytopenia. The following are some of the helpful ways: 

• DO NOT take any supplements without explicit approval from your hematologist. Many common supplements (like Vitamin E, fish oil, Ginkgo Biloba) can increase bleeding risk. Your doctor may recommend specific supplements like Vitamin B12 or folate only if your thrombocytopenia is caused by a deficiency, which is rare. 
• Make healthy lifestyle changes 
• Avoid activities that have chances of causing bruising & bleeding 
• Avoid alcohol or smoking 

Your doctor is the best person to interpret your platelet count and decide whether urgent treatment is needed. Hence consult with your healthcare provider.

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→ Level of RDW is Dangerous

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→ Level of Uric Acid is Dangerous