What is the cause for low platelet count?

Question

Hi doctor,

God blessed me with a baby boy before three months. This is my second child. I faced many problems, such as diabetes, two years ago. I had low platelet counts for six months before I took a test for CBC. Three days before delivery, my platelet count was 44000 per microliter of blood. My doctor suggests that I go for a blood transfusion for delivery.

Before delivery, I took three units. After delivery, I took one unit of blood; my platelet count was 172000 per microliter of blood. After a month, when I took a test for CBC, my platelet count was 72000 per microliter of blood.

I experienced a headache and fever for a few days. I take one Paracetamol tablet at night. What can I do?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Fever with a headache can occur in a viral infection. Viral infection can affect the platelet count and can lead to a low platelet count. Symptomatic management is done with Paracetamol and maintaining your hydration.

Your peripheral smear examination and a liver profile are also needed to be done for the primary workup. Peripheral smear examination will detect any parasites and abnormal cells if present.

Repeat CBC (complete blood count) after a few days, and if it is still elevated, then think of other investigations.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.