Low platelets

[flora]

Low platelets? Anyone what does it mean and what happens now?

[lovetocreate]

With PBC my platelets have always been low. Just part of the PBC game!

[Shulsey in reply to lovetocreate]

Yup, the same for me. My platelets have always been low. PBC has so many different characteristics.

Stay strong❣️

Shannon

[AliPhillips]

means lowers ability if blood to clot ... thinner blood, easier bruising and longer to stop n scab is my understanding of it. if u have ANY type of surgical procedure, even teeth out, make sure whomever knows about it and yr blood type ...🤔🤗😇😁

[flora in reply to AliPhillips]

Thanks yes doc explained about clotting and now I realise I don't know my blood type !!!

[AliPhillips in reply to flora]

yeh me too 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 wouldnt mind so much but when asked my GP they had not a clue either 🤔 got it now tho 😉🖒

[Karaliz]

Hi Flora

Most people with PBC will not have thrombocytopaenia ( ie low platelets). It is very much a sign of advanced liver disease and generally associated with cirrhosis.

The pathophysiology of thrombocytopaenia has long been associated with an enlarged spleen. Portal hypertension may cause the spleen to enlarge and retain white blood cells and platelets, reducing the numbers of these cells and platelets in the blood. A low platelet count may be the first evidence that a person has developed cirrhosis.

The term used is sequester which I gather means to "hold on to " or "retain" - in other words, the spleen holds on to ( sequesters) platelets, leaving fewer circulating in the blood which is then reflected in a low platelet count.

I have widespread cirrhosis and my platelet count has drifted down over the last few years but is still just within the low normal range. My consultant did tell me that platelet infusions are normally reserved for those with critically low platelet counts.

Hope this helps a little.

Karaliz from Australia

[Shulsey in reply to Karaliz]

Well said Karaliz😊. You explained it as well as my heptologist did. Im stage 4 with all of the above.

Stay strong❣️

Shannon

[flora]

Thank you for replying have been away so had no internet my doctor phoned me and said my platelets had been at 50 but after a recent blood test they have come up to 84 so he said they will check them in another month and see .I'm off work because I feel so bad there are lots of things showing up high blood pressure 166 over 100 I'm waiting for word back from liver specialist in Edinburgh. Today I'm totally wiped out and had to go back to bed but my arms and legs are tingling they are keeping me awake .