14 Causes of Low Platelet Count | Oddway International

 

Platelets are essential blood cells that play a critical role in blood clotting. A low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia, can increase the risk of bleeding and other complications. Understanding the causes of thrombocytopenia is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.

What is Thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia is a medical condition characterized by a lower-than-normal platelet count. The normal range for platelets in the blood is typically between 150,000 and 300,000 platelets per microliter (µL). 

A platelet count below 150,000/µL is generally considered thrombocytopenia. When platelet levels are low, the blood's ability to clot is affected, leading to easy bruising or bleeding.

Causes of Low Platelet Count

Thrombocytopenia can arise from various underlying factors. It is usually caused by medical conditions or medication side effects.

Conditions that Decrease Platelet Production

1. Leukemia and other cancers affect the bone marrow, where platelets are produced.

2. Certain anemias can impair platelet production.

3. Viral infections like hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV can suppress platelet production.

4. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while targeting cancer cells, can also damage platelet-producing cells.

5. Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with platelet production.

6. Exposure to toxins such as pesticides and arsenic can harm the bone marrow.

7. Bone marrow disorders like myelodysplastic syndromes can lead to ineffective platelet formation.

Conditions that Increase Platelet Breakdown

8. Pregnancy can sometimes lead to a temporary drop in platelet count.

9. Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause the body to destroy its platelets.

10. Bacterial or viral infections can trigger the destruction of platelets.

11. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a rare blood disorder that causes blood clots to form in small blood vessels, leading to platelet consumption.

Conditions that Cause Platelet Trapping

12. An enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) can trap platelets, reducing their circulation in the bloodstream.

13. Liver disease can lead to decreased production of thrombopoietin, a hormone that stimulates platelet production.

14. Pulmonary embolism.

 Eltrombopag : A Promising Treatment Option

Eltrombopag is an effective oral medication for managing thrombocytopenia in specific cases. It is primarily prescribed for adults and children (2 years and older in some cases) with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) when other treatments haven't been successful. 

Eltrombopag is also used in patients with thrombocytopenia associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, in combination with interferon treatment. 

Additionally, it can be used with standard immunosuppressive treatment for severe aplastic anemia (SAA).

Eltrombopag is a thrombopoietin receptor agonist that stimulates the bone marrow to produce more platelets. 

Clinical trials have demonstrated that eltrombopag therapy can effectively increase platelet counts, reduce bleeding, and lessen the need for other ITP therapies. 

Studies have shown that Eltrombopag can reduce the burden of thrombocytopenia and its associated side effects. 

A study showed that the median platelet count increased rapidly after the initiation of eltrombopag and remained relatively stable over time. 

Long-term use of eltrombopag has been shown to effectively maintain platelet counts and reduce bleeding in most patients with ITP.

While Eltrombopag is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, it can have potential side effects. The most common adverse events reported in studies were upper respiratory tract infection and headache. 

It is important for patients to be aware of potential risks, such as liver-related issues, and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Regular monitoring of platelet count is required to allow for dose adjustments.

Oddway International provides both wholesale and single orders in 2 doses, Eltrombopag 50 mg & Eltrombopag 25 mg, and ships worldwide from India under brand names like Eltromag (Cipla), Trombonat (Natco Pharma), Rompag (Hetero Healthcare), and Eltrog (Glenmark Pharma).

Takeaway

Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, can result from various underlying conditions that either decrease platelet production, increase platelet breakdown, or cause platelet trapping.

Eltrombopag is a treatment option for specific cases of thrombocytopenia, such as primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and thrombocytopenia associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment options.