What Happens If Platelet Count is Low?

Low platelet counts may be related to factors such as decreased platelet production, increased platelet destruction, and abnormal platelet distribution. Details are as follows:

1. Decreased Platelet Production

Due to diseases such as Fanconi anemia, congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, aplastic anemia, bone marrow metastasis of malignant tumors, leukemia, myelofibrosis, megakaryocyte aplasia, and so on, some patients using chemical drugs or exposed to radiation may also experience decreased platelet production.

2. Increased Platelet Destruction

Increased platelet destruction may be related to both immune and non-immune factors, including immune thrombocytopenic purpura, HIV infection, etc. It may also be associated with drugs such as heparin, antipyretic analgesics, penicillin, and furosemide. Non-immune factors include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, acute respiratory distress syndrome, severe burns, and so on.

3. Abnormal Platelet Distribution

Abnormal platelet distribution may be influenced by hypersplenism. Hypersplenism leads to the retention of platelets in the spleen, thereby reducing the number of platelets in the blood.