thrombocytopaenia and antiphospholipid antibodies

[Brychni]

Hello all

So, in addition to antiphospholipid antibodies which, apparently thicken the blood I also have (and have had before) low platelets which, apparently means thin blood.

This has spooked someone and more blood tests have been ordered. I'm totally confused. How is it possible to have both a blood clotting problem and a blood thinning problem at the same time? And how is it possible that both are a part of lupus? Does one cancel out the other?

I don't have antiphospholipid syndrome but do have the antibodies, inflammatory arthritis, Raynauds' and low platelets which I have read, is also a lupus symptom (lupus is on my notes).

Does anyone else have this?

[Debbie_kinsey Administrator LUPUS UK]

Hi Brychni

It’s definitely understandable that this would be confusing! I’ve had a look into it and, although they seem like they are opposite problems, they can actually exist together.

According to the Lupus Encyclopedia, SLE can occasionally cause platelet count to be lower than normal (sometimes called “thrombocytopenia”). However, it also says that it’s rare to have a bleeding problem caused by this unless the number is very low.

I know you don’t have antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), just the antibodies, but the APS Support UK website has some useful information about this. They state that a low or reduced platelet count is actually the most common blood-related disorder found in APS patients. They also said that it usually doesn’t cause any problems other than a tendency to bruise easily. There are some rare cases where the platelet count is extremely low, which can become a condition called “immune thrombocytopenic purpura” (ITP). People with ITP and APS can have problems with both excessive clotting and excessive bleeding. You can find their information here: aps-support.org.uk/about-ap...

Their information was also supported by a scientific review paper from 2021 which suggested that 20–50% of APS patients also have thrombocytopenia (low platelets), but it is not usually associated with significant bleeding risk.

Basically - yes they can co-exist together, but the low platelets are unlikely to cause a bleeding problem unless the number is very low, which is rarer.

Your doctor should be able to confirm your levels with you following your tests and whether you need any treatment, and you can speak to them if you have particular concerns about how to manage both conditions.

Take care

Debbie

[Brychni in reply to Debbie_kinsey]

Hi Debbie

Thankyou for you very comprehensive reply! I do wonder if there is any point in me taking the daily aspirin I was advised to take.