Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am under treatment for bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia. My platelet count is very low. I am worried as a low platelet count indicates thrombocytopenia and could be due to leukemia. All other parameters are in the normal range. I do not have any symptoms like bleeding or any cuts that do not heal up. No fever, nothing. Is it because of the medications I am currently taking?
Please guide.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Your platelet count has remained on the lower side but still, it is not thrombocytopenia. If you do not have any symptoms, then it means it is not significant. Some people have lower counts of platelets. It can be due to many reasons, or sometimes it is because of unknown causes. If your folate intake is low, then you must start taking B12 and folate supplements. It would help to keep your platelets normal. Some antibiotics lower the platelet counts. But if you are coming back to normal, then these medications will be stopped. Now, just increase your leafy vegetable intake, B12, and folate supplements. You can take fruit juices.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
Thank you for your reply.
I was comparing my reports with earlier reports and noticed that earlier my platelet counts were normal. It was only after taking a combination of tablets sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim was introduced that my platelet count came down. Could it be because of the tablet I would be on this tablet for another two months as after the next two months, when I am taken out of Prednisone, this tablet will be discontinued. Is there anything to be concerned about, like blood cancer or leukemia?
Hello,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
All other parameters are fine. Leukemia does not hit that way. It affects other cell lines also. Low platelet count is a common side effect of antibiotics, especially sulfa drugs. So you can discuss with your physician whether to reduce the dose and finish this antibiotic as soon as possible or switch to some other option available. Prednisolone helps to maintain platelet count. Take folic acid and B12 supplements for your betterment, and try to get antibiotics changed. You can send me the CBC (complete blood count) report after a month, again after these measures are taken.
I hope this helps.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Ayesha Khanum
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
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