Treatment and Prevention of Thrombocytopenia
Treatment and Prevention of Thrombocytopenia
Treatment for Thrombocytopenia
Mild thrombocytopenia does not require treatment and individuals tend to recover over a period of time. This has been observed in the case of pregnant women with thrombocytopenia, who recover after childbirth. In the case of severe thrombocytopenia, treatments vary. Blood transfusions replenish the depleting levels of platelets. Based on the cause of thrombocytopenia, doctors treat the underlying condition in order to arrest the depleted platelet count. Medications are recommended for autoimmune conditions such as idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura. Corticosteroids or other medications that target antibodies, which attack the platelets, are prescribed. Splenectomy is recommended, if there is an accumulation of platelets in the spleen. If thrombocytopenia is caused by folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, then having a regular dose of these vitamins can replenish the depleted levels. In the event that thrombocytopenia is caused by a side effect of medications, stopping the medications will cause the platelet levels to return to normal.
Prevention of Thrombocytopenia
Alcohol consumption: Individuals with thrombocytopenia should avoid drinking alcohol. Platelet production is reduced when alcohol is consumed. Alcohol consumption should be under the doctor's recommendations.
Medications: Over-the counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce platelet production. Caution is advised on the use of such medications.
Injurious activities: Individuals with thrombocytopenia should avoid injury-prone activities such as football, boxing, hockey, among others. Individuals should wear protective gloves while using knives, and wear seatbelts when riding a vehicle.
Vaccination: Certain viruses affect platelet levels. Individuals affected with thrombocytopenia should get vaccinated for these viruses.
Toxic chemicals: Individuals with thrombocytopenia should avoid contact with chemicals such as benzene, pesticides, and arsenic. Such chemicals affect the production of platelets.
Infections: If an individual has undergone splenectomy, he/she is prone to infections due to a compromised immune system. Hence, the individual should inform a doctor immediately if there is an indication of an infection.
References:
- Thrombocytopenia - (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000586.htm)
- About Thrombocytopenia - (http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/thcp/)
- Albers CA et al. Compound inheritance of a low-frequency regulatory SNP and a rare null mutation in exon-junction complex subunit RBM8A causes TAR syndrome. Nat Genet. February 2012;44(4):435-439.
- Thrombocytopenia and ITP - (http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/thrombocytopenia-symptoms-causes-treatments)
- Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) - (http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thrombocytopenia/DS00691/DSECTION=symptoms)
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Dr. Smitha S. Dutt. (2019, March 07). Treatment and Prevention of Thrombocytopenia. Medindia. Retrieved on Jan 20, 2025 from https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/treatment-and-prevention-of-thrombocytopenia.htm.
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Dr. Smitha S. Dutt. "Treatment and Prevention of Thrombocytopenia". Medindia. Jan 20, 2025. <https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/treatment-and-prevention-of-thrombocytopenia.htm>.
Chicago
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Dr. Smitha S. Dutt. 2019. Treatment and Prevention of Thrombocytopenia. Medindia, viewed Jan 20, 2025, https://www.medindia.net/health/conditions/treatment-and-prevention-of-thrombocytopenia.htm.