HELP - PLATELET LEVEL GOING UP AND DOWN

[Rockgrrl]

Hi, thanks for accepting me. My condition is very, very mild compared with most but I am a bit confused and would really appreciate your advice. I have had a low platelet count - between 99 and now 135 - since November last year and was referred to a Haematologist. I have also recently been diagnosed with lupus and have been taking 400mg of hydroxychloroquine for 3 weeks. My blood test taken two days ago showed a rise in platelet count to 135. Could this be the result of taking hydroxychloroquine? Does it mean that I no longer have ITP? Grateful for any information. Many thanks.

[Kyriak51]

Welcome to the group, were you diagnosed with ITP by hematologists, what treatment regime were you on, how long ago. I was diagnosed in 2009 failed five days of steroids, IVIG, and four weeks of Rituxan IV infusions before I was started on NPLATE weekly injections to maintain my platelets between 30-80 thousand which allows me to maintain a fairly active lifestyle until a cure is found. Normal platelet count is 150 to 450 thousand.

Hydroxychloroquine is a immunosuppressive drug used to treat lupus and arthritisI not sure if it has any effect on platelets, steroids on the other hand will increase platelet counts while you’re taking the drug. This site has good educational Information about ITP, check it out. Be well Georgia

[Rockgrrl in reply to Kyriak51]

Hi Georgia, thanks for replying. I was diagnosed by a haematologist in the UK in February this year - my count was 99 then. It is now back up to 135. I'm not taking any medication for it because the count -even at 99- was still comparatively high. Now that the count has gone up to 135 would it be correct for me to still say I have ITP? Does the count vary like that over the year? Sorry to bombard you with questions but I am really thankful for any help . Stay safe!

[Anthonyh7]

Hello Rockgirl, welcome to the group.

Our platelet count varies all the time. The platelet count can only be measured by blood test and if you have a blood test today and then again tomorrow the chances are your platelet count won't be the same.

Now with ITP, most specialists do not prescribe any treatment/drugs for it unless the platelet count gets pretty low (usually below 30 although it depends on the individual patient and any symptoms they have and other medical conditions) .

So in your case it sounds like you would not have had any specific medication prescribed for you as your count has remained pretty good. Whilst the "normal " platelet count range is between 150 and 400, anything above 50 is usually seen as "safe" (although again I would emphasise that it depends on each patient, symptoms and any other medical issues they have)

Anyway, I would recommend the following sources of information as the most reliable and up to date in terms of ITP...

1. The ITP Support Association UK ... itpsupport.org.uk

2. The Platelet Disorder Support Association USA ... pdsa.org

Both are excellent sources for all things ITP

If you wish to check out my 15 year ITP story please do have a look at my ITP blog .... myownpurplepatch.simplesite...

[Rockgrrl in reply to Anthonyh7]

Thank you so much for your response - it certainly makes everything clearer!