Low PLT Count

[Happyman1946]

Had a bone marrow biopsy in August 2014 and was inconclusive. My PLT was 134. Continued monitoring every 3 months. PLT continued to raise and was in range of143-197. This November is dropped to 118. Should I be concerned? Primary wants another CBC in 1 month.

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator]

You mentioned that your bone marrow biopsy was inconclusive, but in respect of what? Do you have a CLL diagnosis?

Your platelet count seems to show a fair amount of variation, but is still remaining safely above 100, the level which can trigger treatment discussions wit CLL. Importantly your specialist has increased the frequency of monitoring, so you are being looked after well.

Platelet counts can be influenced by a range of other factors besides CLL, such as drugs and foods. CLL can also impact platelet counts through one or more of bone marrow involvement, an enlarged spleen, or auto-immune effects.

Neil

[newyork8]

My platelet numbers moved around but the trend was lower till I had readings on the 80s. I started treatment on Gayzyva. Platelets went as low as the 40s but also a reading at 100. So I wouldnt get too anxious about lower platelets per se but it does reflect perhaps bone marrow involvement of advancing disease.