Symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and coping
Thrombocytopeniain people with cancer is commonly due to chemotherapy.
A lowplateletcount can, in turn, result in bleeding and/or the need to delay chemotherapy.
This article covers symptoms and causes of thrombocytopenia during chemotherapy and how it can be treated.
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A level below 150,000 is considered abnormal, or thrombocytopenia.
For those going through chemotherapy, levels of even 50,000 to 100,000 may result in a delay of chemotherapy.
Chemotherapy destroys rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow which become platelets.
This is usually temporary.
Drugs commonly associated with thrombocytopenia include:
How Long Do Low Counts Last?
Thrombocytopenia related to chemotherapy is often a short-term problem.
Platelets in the bloodstream live approximately eight to 10 days and are rapidly replenished.
For example, if it is related to chemotherapy drugs, treatment may include delaying chemotherapy.
Whereas if it is related to immune causes, steroids may be part of the recommended treatment.
The most common side effect is a temporary fever.
Rare side effects can includetransfusion reactionsor transmission of infections such as hepatitis.
Delaying Chemotherapy
Delaying chemotherapy, or adjusting the dose may sometimes be necessary.
Certainly blood thinners, such as anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs can be a problem.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil (ibuprofen) as well as aspirin also raise risk.
Its important to talk to your oncologist about any of these preparations before using them.
At times, however, thrombocytopenia will need to be treated.
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