Why can platelets be low?

Answer by  Angela128 (26)

Low platelets can be caused by anemia, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, HIV, liver disease, mumps, malaria, measles. There are some diseases that cause low platelets that are less common such as dengue and myelodysplastic syndrome.

Answer by  DrMom (854)

Low blood platelets are usually the result of some underlying condition. It can be the result of a side effect of some medication you are taking. It can also be a sign of leukemia or some condition having to do with the immune system. It can also be a vitamin B12 deficiency or worst case, liver failure.

Answer by  Travis404607 (3916)

The most common reason platelets can be low is due to a patient's use of blood thinning medications, such as Coumadin, which is often prescribed as an anti-clotting treatment. These patients are tested often with a Protime blood test to test their clotting times. Medications are adjusted to help make these results therapeutic.

Answer by  writergalfriday (325)

Platelets can be low due to anemia, bacteria in the blood due to an infection, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and pregnancy, but this can be mild. Patients receiving chemotherapy treatments for cancer may experience low platelet counts. Certain prescription medications, such as heparin and sulfa antibiotics can sometimes destroy platelets. Please contact your physician if you suspect you have this condition.

Answer by  kdem (551)

There are many different reasons. Sometimes it is due to the patient being on aspirin. There can also be a source of trauma where blood has been lost.