Managing Low Platelet Count (Thrombocytopenia)
Platelets, also called thrombocytes (THROM-boh-sites), are fragments of bone marrow cells that are found in the circulating blood and are critical in stopping bleeding. Platelets, along with other blood components, rush to the site of an injury and work to form a blood clot, which is necessary to stop the bleeding. A low platelet count is referred to as thrombocytopenia.
Causes of a Low Platelet Count—Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Chemo works by destroying cells that grow rapidly, such as cells in the bone marrow that generate platelets. Normally, there are billions of platelets in the blood; however, certain chemotherapy drugs can cause thrombocytopenia.
A low platelet count typically occurs 6 to 10 days following administration of chemotherapy and continues for several days before the number of platelets in the blood increases to an adequate level. Infrequently, cancer patients may also experience thrombocytopenia from other medications or as a consequence of their underlying cancer.
Monitoring Your Platelet Count
A low platelet count puts you at risk of certain side effects. Bleeding is the most important:
- If you do not have enough platelets to form a clot, you will not be able to stop bleeding.
- Even a small cut can cause you to lose a dangerous amount of blood.
- The fewer platelets you have in your blood, the more susceptible you are to experiencing bleeding.
Another reason thrombocytopenia is important is that, in some cases, it can be severe enough that chemotherapy treatments may need to be delayed or the chemotherapy dose reduced. When patients develop a low platelet count, doctors may have to delay treatment or reduce the doses of the chemotherapy until the platelet count has increased.
Chemotherapy dose reductions and treatment delays may reduce some patients' chance for achieving optimal results from their treatment.
To get the most from chemotherapy, it's important to stick to a schedule of treatment. Find out more about chemotherapy cycles and schedules.
If you have a severely low platelet count, you may require treatment with platelet transfusions and, occasionally, admission to the hospital until the platelets return to sufficient levels in the blood to prevent bleeding. A platelet transfusion is the addition of platelets into your blood from another person. Platelet transfusions carry the risk of complications, which include infection and allergic reactions that may range from mild to life-threatening. Ask your doctor to explain the risks and benefits of platelet transfusions and the various options for treating low platelet counts.
Before you begin treatment, it is important to learn how best to manage blood-related side effects. Your first step should be to understand CBC, or complete blood count.
Lowering Your Risk of Bleeding
If your platelet count is low, you should try to avoid situations that may cause injury, bruising, or bleeding.
- Do only mild, low-impact activity for exercise, such as walking or swimming.
- Shave with an electric razor instead of a blade.
- Use a soft-bristle toothbrush.
It is important to know that, in addition to blood-related side effects, chemotherapy can result in other side effects.
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