Drop in platelet count

[Sydniprentice]

My daughter is 17 and has a platelet count of 146. I understand that isn't near dangerously low. However I looked back at older blood work and several years ago her count was 247. Could this drop be normal? The doctors aren't checking anything but this is really worrisome to me.

[AussieNeil Administrator]

I very much doubt that your daughter has CLL, given her age, but I suspect you are concerned that she may have another type of leukaemia? Low platelets can be caused by a range of conditions or even more likely - prescribed drugs. Has your daughter had any drugs, including antibiotics prescribed recently? If so, perhaps that's why her doctor isn't worried...

Neil

[Newdawn Administrator]

Hi Sydniprentice,

As Neil has said, the condition of low platelets known as thrombocytopenia can have a number of causes including some medications, a viral infection, anaemia etc. This is a very good explanation;

mayoclinic.org/diseases-con...

Presumably her doctor is monitoring this if you’ve been able to see the drop. Does this indicate she’s being treated for another medical condition? CLL is exceptionally rare in someone of that age and would have been detected by other lab results if she’s subject to regular blood tests. Best to speak to her doctor for advice.

Best wishes,

Newdawn

[Spacee]

I don’t know if this will help. (Hubby is the one with CLL). I had Thrombocytopenia for over 20 years with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that is sometimes called in other countries Myalgic Encephalopathy. Meaning brain inflammation and muscle aches. No doctor ever mentioned the Thrombocytopenia not even the NIH. I don’t know why.

Spacee

[Sydniprentice]

Thanks to all who replied. She has not been on any medication even antibiotics and really has no other symptoms. Dr. Said the 146 could be her normal but it was 247 when she was 14 so I don't understand the drop. I will bring her to a hematologist when she's home for winter break.

[mpaull in reply to Sydniprentice]

I am a 57 and have CLL. Dr thinks I have had it for 4 years. My Platelets hover around 46.

[Mize in reply to mpaull]

mpaull have you had treatment? Is this before or after?

[Rockie3413 in reply to Sydniprentice]

Can you please tell me the outcome with your daughter. My 17 year-old son had a CBC with platelets @ 146. I’m very concerned.

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to Rockie3413]

This post was from 4 years ago and may not be answered. As Sydniprentice said, a platelet count of 146 is not dangerously low. In fact, it is barely below the normal range.

This community supports those with Chronic Lymphocyte Leukaemia, where low platelets are a common symptoms. Bleeding isn't particularly a concern until the platelet count falls below 50. Platelet infusions are given below 20, or even 10 if we don't have an infection. There are plenty of less serious reasons for a low platelet count besides cancer.

Neil