HomeAnswersHematologyplatelet countMy 8-year-old son is diagnosed with a low platelet count. What to do?

Why is my eight year old son's platelet count constantly low?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 2, 2017
Reviewed AtDecember 26, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 8-year-old son was diagnosed with a possible bone marrow failure during monitoring for low platelets when he was 3 years old. His biopsy showed areas of 20 % cellularity. Last year his counts were WBC 13.8, RBC 4.83, hemoglobin 13.5 g/dL, hematocrit 39.3, MCV 81.3, MCH 27.9, MCHC 34.2, RDW 13.5, platelet count 311, and MPV 8.5. And this year his counts are WBC 9.3, RBC 4.91, hemoglobin 13.4 g/dL, hematocrit 39.4, MCV 80.2, MCH 27.3, MCHC 34.1, RDW 13.5, platelet count 326, and MPV 8.3. We are waiting and watching. Should we see an oncologist again?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  1. You had mentioned the history of bone marrow failure at three years of age, but the cause and workup done at that time are not mentioned here.
  2. Temporary viral infection like parvovirus can lead to temporary bone marrow suppression.
  3. In a child, if platelet count remains low for a long time, then ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura) should be ruled out by bone marrow aspiration.
  4. Please provide a detailed history about the past bone marrow failure workup if available.
  5. As far as this latest CBC (complete blood count) report is concerned, it does not look abnormal. So, if any symptoms are present and if CBC worsens, then you should consult your doctor.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Pathology

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