Low platelet levels in the blood. Reasons for women, men, children, newborn child. What threatens what to do

Blood is involved in the structure and function of cells and tissues. It consists of a plasma that contains red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. The lack or surplus of either component causes malfunction of the whole organism. A low platelet levels can lead to serious hemorrhage and death.

platelet function in the body

Platelets - are flat non-nuclear elements of the blood, which are formed in the bone marrow. Their main purpose is the formation of blood clots in case of damage of the vessel. At rest the platelets have a shape similar to the disc. In the process of the plasma element of movement becomes a spherical shape.

In case of damage to the blood vessel platelets rush to the site of rupture, and their shape is similar to barb cactus. Through-spikes formed elements quickly and firmly connected to each other, forming a thrombus preventing and exit of blood from the vessel.

Additional features of platelets:

• elements accelerate the regeneration of damaged tissue, thereby accelerating healing;
• normalize blood viscosity, and is withdrawn from the plasma elimination of viruses and bacteria cells;
• Platelets participate in strengthening and nutrition blood vessel walls and make them stronger.

The average duration of the existence of platelet is 8-10 days. Further elements are worn and destroyed by the liver or spleen.

Norma platelet levels in the blood by age

platelet plasma concentration depends on age and gender. Women rate changes during menstruation and childbearing. Platelet count is determined at the time when the blood test inspections.

Permissible range:

Children	During pregnancy	Women	men
Age	Units (U thousand. / L)	trimesters	Units (U thousand. / L)	Age (years)	Units (U thousand. / L)	Age (years)	Units (U thousand. / L)
1 day	180-470	1	150-340	18-35	150-380	18-25	180-380
Up to 12 months.	180-420	2	150-330	35-60	150-340	25-35	180-360
1-3	160-390	3	140-320	older than 60	150-320	35-60	180-340
3-7	180-380	older than 60	180-320
7-13	180-360
13-18	160-320

Changing the parameters to increase leads to the development of blood clots. At low blood stops bad, as a result of increased blood loss, and open wound infections is available for settlement.

Which means low platelet count

Low blood platelet level (the reasons may be of pathological and physiological character) occurs result of disease or injury to blood loss, it can also be labor or menstruation. To bring the rate back to normal it is necessary to identify and eliminate the cause.

Reasons for the decline in platelet count

The main reasons for reducing the number of platelets in the blood are factors that reduce their production, accelerating or causing their destruction maldistribution.

Bone marrow disease

Report marrow state change involves the formation of blood cells, including platelets.

Pathologies affecting the functioning of the bone marrow:

1. Chemical attack on the fabric: radiation, chemotherapy, taking potent medicines (antibiotics; hormonal and anti-cancer agents), drugs, poor-quality alcoholic beverages.
2. The disadvantage in the body B9 and B12 vitamins. They are necessary for the formation and development of blood cells.
3. Violation of the formation of red blood cells. Due to the fact that they are formed together with platelets from total progenitor cells.
4. The presence of cancer cells in the bone tissue.
5. Severe infectious diseases: toxoplasmosis, infectious mononucleosis, HIV, viral hepatitis.
6. Genetic diseases of the bone marrow.

Excessive number of mature platelets in the bone marrow, reduces the production of new ones.

Early platelet destruction

With new no time to early destruction of platelets to form to maintain their concentrations in the blood are normal.

Diseases that trigger the development of diseases:

1. Autoimmune diseases. Diseases that result in immune system destroys the platelets.
2. Surgical and medical intervention: cardiac surgery for prosthetic-valve, blood cleansing artificial kidney.
3. Poisoning by heavy metals and chemical compounds, that result in platelet destruction.
4. Uncontrolled blood clotting, develops as a complication of severe infectious diseases.
5. Transfusion of blood or plasma.
6. Impaired renal function.

Increase of the spleen may also trigger the development of early destruction of platelets.

Pathological redistribution of blood cells

Improper platelet distribution in the body can be triggered by the following factors:

1. The increase in size of the spleen.
2. Cirrhosis of the liver and an increase in size. The disease provokes pressure and blood stagnation.
3. Violation of the functioning of the heart with blood circulation changes.

The overabundance of platelets in one body and the other drawback are also penalized functioning organism.

platelet lowering with DIC

Low blood platelet level (often causes complications in diseases lie) may be caused by deterioration of bone marrow by their formulation as in DIC. The disease is characterized initially great need organism in platelets.

Prolonged occurs during bone marrow depletion, and platelet formation decreases.

Factors in a position to develop a pathology:

• severe injury (burns, transfusion is inappropriate blood groups, with multiple trauma injury large number of vessels);
• transplant donor organ;
• anticancer therapy;
• malignant tumor in the latter stages;
• severe psychological stress;
• Development of tissue necrosis or organ;
• infectious diseases in severe forms;
• placental abruption during pregnancy or fading.

Upon detection of a pathology at the later stages, recovery of platelet levels without constant taking medication impossible.

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura

The disease is a consequence of disturbances of the immune system. It recognizes the platelets, the cells as foreign and produces antibodies to destroy them.

The causes of the disease:

• complication of infectious diseases;
• blood transfusion with the presence of antibodies;
• receiving potent hormonal drugs;
• response to vaccination;
• frequent and prolonged stay under UV rays (solarium).

This pathology is incurable.

Types and forms of thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count) is divided by the degree of severity of the disease and for reasons of development of pathology.

The division of severity:

1. Characterized by a moderate level indicator platelets (range 50-160 U thousand. / L). At the same time the rest of the blood is not significantly changed. Pathology can only be detected by blood tests.
2. It has been a sharp decrease in platelet count to levels of 20-50 thousand units. / L. The pathology is accompanied by onset of symptoms (bleeding under the skin, poor blood stopping for injuries).
3. The platelet count is below 20 thousand units. / Ml. Bleeding occur from the slightest shock and do not stop on their own.

If Grade 3 without urgent medical treatment a person can die from accidental internal bleeding.

The separation for reasons of pathology:

1. The immune. The disease develops as a response of the organism to infectious diseases or receiving "hard" drugs.
2. Geteroimmunnaya. Immunity destroys cells disposed on platelet shell (drugs or infection), resulting platelets are destroyed.
3. Isoimmune. It develops most often in infants with rhesus conflict with the mother's blood group. Or after transfusion of incompatible blood.
4. Autoimmune. The immune system destroys platelets, taking them as a foreign body.

Treatment of selected expert only after determining the type and extent of disease severity.

Symptoms of low blood platelet

Reduced levels of thrombocytes in the blood is accompanied by characteristic symptomatology. The lower the score, the signs of disease are more severe. Before the appointment of therapy specialist determines the cause of the disease.

Symptoms of platelet reduction:

• sudden and prolonged nosebleeds;
• Bleeding in the digestive tract;
• the appearance of bruising under the skin and bruising at low pressure on the soft tissues;
• blood in the process of cleaning teeth;
• in female menstruation is characterized by copious blood loss;
• blood in the urine and feces;
• anemia with no typical reasons;
• rupture of the capillaries in the eye whites;
• on the skin appear red spots similar to freckles.

Bleeding may develop from small shocks or independently, since the vessels deteriorates strength. The lower the score, the blood stops longer. At critical elevations possible death from hemorrhage. Symptoms of thrombocytopenia accompanied by signs of disease caused by a reduced blood clots.

Diagnostics

Diagnose platelet deviation by using the blood test. Much more difficult to establish the cause of pathology. At detection of signs characteristic of thrombocytopenia need to contact a physician / pediatrician.

The procedure of diagnosing the disease:

1. Information gathering, and when the symptoms that preceded it were found: taking medication or anti-cancer therapy, infectious disease, presence of genetic disorders in relatives, blood transfusion or conduct operations.
2. Initial examination of the patient for the presence of bruising under the skin or bruises. By palpation of the liver and spleen sizes for the increase.
3. Blood tests to determine the platelet count and inspection of the external change of form. Also, a blood test for antibodies destroying platelets.
4. Upon confirmation pathology assigned further examination, which is necessarily included: bone marrow puncture, ultrasound of internal organs, especially liver and spleen, CT and MRI.

After determining the cause of disease treatment often takes place under the supervision of two experts: a hematologist (notes changes in the blood), and the doctor who performs the elimination of the causes of diseases (oncology, cardiology, gastroenterologist).

Preparation for analysis

Without preparing the patient for the delivery of the analysis result is not reliable.

Before delivery of blood is recommended:

• only pure water can be used to turn the analysis. Recently, the consumption of food should be not less than 8 hours, but no longer than 14 hours;
• 3 days before the date is canceled medication or specialist are reported to have been taken into account the tolerance of the drugs;
• adherence to the diet for 24 hours prior to the procedure (refusal of oily and spicy foods, with the exception of alcohol and tobacco, as well as avoid eating dairy products);
• cancellation of evening exercise, as far as possible to avoid stressful situations;
• before delivery of the analysis needs rest for 10-15 minutes.

The female sex is recommended to prevent the presence of a specialist menstruation or pregnancy, if they are available.

How is blood sampling

Blood sampling, to determine the platelet count is made of a finger. It is treated with an alcohol solution and make a puncture a special blade. The first drop of blood is removed with cotton. Next, blood is collected using a pipette and the tube-adapter. After collection of the material to pinpoint the time of stopping the bleeding from the puncture.

A drop of blood from the tube is applied to the glass, to determine the number of platelets and their appearance. Part of the blood collected in the test tube to study its composition (hematology analyzer used for this). Some of the material remains in the tube-adapter. On it to set the time of blood clotting.

To do this, in turn rises one of the ends of the tube by 45 degrees, so that the blood flowed from one end to the other. The procedure lasts until the blood does not stop there. Busy time for the procedure means the speed of blood clotting.

How long to wait responses

The analysis results can be obtained through 1 hour after the procedure (if urgent analysis). In the standard treatment results are ready in 5-8 hours.

Deciphering the study results

Deciphering the data analysis involved a hematologist or internist / pediatrician. The results must be considered not only an indicator of platelets, whole blood composition is taken into account.

To determine the deviations are taken into account the norms of indicators on the age and sex of the patient supplies. The average figures are considered dangerous below 50 thousand units. / L and above 500 thousand units. / Ml. A more complete study of the composition of blood and purpose of therapy is carried out by a hematologist.

therapies

Low blood platelet level (cause of pathology taken into account in the appointment of therapy) restored with the use of medicinal drugs of traditional therapy and compliance Power rules.

diet therapy

To normalize the platelets and preventing their further reduce the power necessary to adhere to any particular conditions. Excluded are products that can cause bleeding in the digestive tract (the accidental fish bones or hard and sharp fruit pits), as well as fatty and spicy dishes. The food should be soft and easy to digest.

The basis of the diet should be rich in vitamins food B9, B12 and A (carrots, fish oil, pepper). Also products rich in iron and calcium (meat, liver, buckwheat). Portions of dishes should be average, not to cause overeating or hunger.

Disruption of the digestive tract can lead to internal bleeding. Additionally, it is recommended to refrain from allergens. The list of products is necessary to clarify a hematologist within existing pathologies. Also helps the physician to adjust the weekly diet.

Lifestyle change

At low platelet indicators need to give up strenuous exercise, which can cause injury to the muscles and ligaments. It is recommended to deal with jogging, swimming, dancing.

Also needed daily walks in the fresh air. Normalize the rest time and labor. These changes make it possible to normalize the functioning of the heart, which helps to improve bone marrow. Smoking and alcohol consumption are eliminated.

Medicines that strengthen the immune system

Low platelet levels in the blood (the causes of pathology is not always possible to eliminate, so receiving medicines may be assigned a lifetime) at 2 and 3 step requires drug treatment.

medicines:

• Prednisolone Hormonal agents. Tablets increases platelet count to normal within 7 days;
• Etamzilat injection stimulate platelet production in the bone marrow. Increasing concentrations observed after 15 min after drug administration. Convenient tool for use in a sharp decrease in platelet index;
• alcoholate Sodekor used in the treatment and as a preventive measure. The drug normalizes the process of blood formation. therapy up to 30 days;
• further recommended to take immunostimulatory preparations (Immunal, immunoglobulin viferon) for prevention of infection and improvement of blood clots;
• vikasol part of a comprehensive treatment. Means strengthens blood vessels and prevents the development of bleeding.

Methods for increasing the level of platelets:

1. Transfusion of blood. The procedure allows you to temporarily increase the number of platelets. It is used, if the decline was due to surgery or in severe patient's condition.
2. If medical therapy does not work, and the number of platelets gradually decreases, the assigned bone marrow transplantation or removal of the spleen.

When the complex treatment (elimination of the causes and improving the levels of platelets), all drugs are prescribed by the attending specialist with regard to their compatibility.

Folk recipes with a low level of platelets

Folk remedies avoid further lowering platelet concentration and used for prophylaxis at risk for disease. Decoctions and infusions can be used as a therapy for one stage of the disease.

Recipes for the removal of thrombocytopenia:

• drink from the juice of fresh nettle. Requires survive 15 ml of juice from the stem and leaves, diluted with 50 ml of water or milk. Taken before each use food. The course is 30 days;
• drink made from dry nettles. It is necessary to boil in 200 ml of water, 12 g of dry nettle for 3 min. Further push of 30-40 minutes in a thermos. Consumed before a meal of 100 ml. Duration of therapy to 30 days;
• Sesame oil. It is necessary to use every day for 12 ml of oil before eating. Course ends when 2 liter of oil is consumed;
• daily consumption of boiled or baked beetroot 1 pc. medium size. Be aware that long-term use can cause diarrhea development.

Use alcoholic infusions forbidden, since alcohol reduces liver and platelet production in the bone marrow. When choosing a folk remedy must take into account the presence of contraindications.

Especially the treatment of thrombocytopenia in children

In children, the disease most often develops as a result of rhesus conflict with the mother's blood. Therefore, in the first month of life to feed the child using donor milk or formula. Further gradually introduced breastfeeding during continuous monitoring of platelet levels. Taking medicines in infants is made stationary.

Used for the treatment of the following means:

• Prednisolone (dosage and rate are calculated on body weight and severity of disease);
• drip injection or immunoglobulin;
• transfusion of donor blood;
• to strengthen the receptacles appointed direction finding or separate use Ascorutinum vitamin P and S.

For the treatment of thrombocytopenia, acquired as a result of disease, drug therapy is assigned, as described above, with the age and causes reduction of platelets.

Forecast

Prediction of treatment depends on the cause of thrombocytopenia caused decrease in platelets at what stage pathology of early treatment and treatment conditions are respected like. If the decrease in performance was triggered by physiological changes, then the blood returns to normal on their own.

Drug reception is required in rare cases. If the disease is detected at the last stage, and left untreated, then the probability of death above 50%. Because when a person dies within a few hours, causing internal bleeding.

platelet level necessary to control the delivery of analyzes every 6 months. By lowering the performance required a complete examination with the identification of the causes and treatment assignment. The most dangerous decrease in platelets in pregnant women, as the duration of treatment is limited and labor accompanied by large blood loss.

Author: Svetlana Kotlyachkova

Video of the causes of low blood platelets and methods of its normalization

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