Antibiotics and the platelet count

[lmc167]

Hi I have had ITP for the past 16 years. I had my spleen removed 14 years ago, my platelets are always around the same number, but when i went today for it checked my platelets had gone very high for me. I have been on Antibiotics for a chest infection could these cause my platelets to go up.

[scaryteacher]

Mine went up when I was on antibiotics as well - but they went back to normal a week after I'd finished the course.

[lmc167 in reply to scaryteacher]

I am just worried because my consultant wants me back in 2 weeks. I am thinking all sorts. So i am hoping it is because of the antibiotics and nothing else. I finished them last wednesday.

[scaryteacher]

Has he said why he wants you back? It could just be for another blood test to see what they are doing. Mine went from about 55 to 110 when I was on the antibiotics, and were back down to normal shortly thereafter. I made them do another test when they gave me the results, as I didn't think that my platelets could possibly be that high, but they were.

My son is convinced they were high as I'd given chocolate up for advent, but I think it was the antibiotics!

[lmc167 in reply to scaryteacher]

16 weeks ago they were 69. last Friday they were 595 today they were 412. He is a new consultant as well. I am still thinking it is because of the antibiotics. Plus i take

Azathioprin. going for another blood test on the 25th of March then going to see him on the 4th of April.

[NickyD in reply to lmc167]

Hi Imc167 595 may sound high but that is nothing to worry about. My count went from 2 to 965 in a week without any reason. (it has been higher than that) I know some people do have an increase in count with infections, it is not uncommon. If your consultant wants to check up on you, that is good, sounds like they care. Take care. NickyD

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Doctors don't like a count over the normal 400 as it may lead to clotting problems.

A doctor at the last ITP convention said that it is the bacerial infection that sends the count high and not the antibiotics but I'm not so sure. She also said that viruses will cause the count to go down but that isn't true of me. Flu will have my count go very high.

[scaryteacher]

I have always had a flu jab since I was diagnosed with ITP. It seems to work.

It could well be the bacteria as when I have a virus my count dips, but when I have an infection (and antibiotics) it increases. Who knows?