Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)

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Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

Sometimes, treatment for thrombocytopenia isn't necessary, particularly in children. In these cases, the bone marrow may make up for the shortage of platelets by producing large numbers of new ones until the initiating cause subsides. Young platelets are especially active in clotting, so even though the total concentration of platelets is low, your child may not experience any bleeding problems and need no special treatment.

Mild thrombocytopenia in pregnant women usually improves soon after childbirth.

If your doctor can identify the cause of thrombocytopenia, then the approach is to treat the underlying condition or stop using the problem medication.

Treating thrombocytopenia may involve several options:

  • Medications. For idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, treatment may include medications that block the antibodies that attack platelets, such as corticosteroids. Intravenous immunoglobulin may be used when rapid elevation of your platelet count is needed. If corticosteroids don't help, your doctor may recommend medications that suppress your immune system to reduce antibody formation, such as cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan) or azathioprine (Imuran).
  • Surgery. Sometimes, removing the spleen (splenectomy) relieves signs and symptoms or helps improve chronic idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura that doesn't respond to corticosteroids.
  • Blood transfusions and plasma exchange. For severe bleeding, your doctor can replace lost blood with transfusions of packed red blood cells. Platelet concentrates are given to treat severe thrombocytopenia, particularly those related to cancer or chemotherapy.

    Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura requires emergency treatment with plasma exchange therapy or therapeutic plasmapheresis. If you have hemolytic uremic syndrome, you may need kidney dialysis in addition to red blood cell and platelet transfusions.

DS00691

Feb. 22, 2008

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