Thrombocytopenia: Treatments

How is thrombocytopenia treated?

In mild cases of thrombocytopenia, no treatment may be required. For moderate cases, treatment depends on the cause of thrombocytopenia. In cases related to medications or environmental contaminants, thrombocytopenia may resolve on its own once the underlying cause is removed. In other moderate cases, medication may be prescribed in order to increase platelet counts. In severe thrombocytopenia, procedures such as blood transfusion, platelet transfusion, or splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) may be necessary.

Medications for low platelet counts

Low platelet counts may treated with medications designed to increase platelet production or decrease platelet breakdown including:

• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, to prevent platelet breakdown
• Immunoglobulins to boost platelet production
• Romiplostim (Nplate) or similar medications to increase platelet production

Treatments for severe thrombocytopenia

Severe or life-threatening thrombocytopenia that does not respond to medication may require additional types of treatment including:

• Blood transfusions to replenish blood lost through excessive bleeding
• Platelet transfusions to boost platelet counts
• Splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) to prevent excessive platelet breakdown

What are the potential complications of thrombocytopenia?

Although mild thrombocytopenia may have no apparent symptoms and does not interfere with normal life, severe thrombocytopenia can have acute, life-threatening complications if not treated promptly. These complications are generally due to excessive bleeding. Long-term complications of untreated thrombocytopenia can be serious, even life threatening in some cases.

You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of thrombocytopenia include:

• Excessive or uncontrollable bleeding
• Gastrointestinal bleeding
• Intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain)
• Severe nosebleeds