why would wbc and platelets be low

by Ressie Wintheiser MD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.

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What are the side effects of low WBC?

These include:

AIDS
Aplastic anemia (condition in which the bone marrow makes insufficient blood cells)
Bone marrow disease (myelodysplastic syndromes)
Chemotherapy
Leukemia
Liver disease ( hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver failure)
Overactive spleen that destroys white blood cells
Radiation exposure

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When to worry about low WBC count?

WBC (white blood cell) count varies with time of collection, method of collection and methods of counting. If there is large variation like less than 1500, then we should worry. The value of 3700 is a very mild variation to be worried about.

What medications cause low WBC count?

What medications cause low WBC?

bupropion (Wellbutrin)
clozapine (Clozaril)
cyclosporine (Sandimmune)
interferons.
lamotrigine (Lamictal)
minocycline (Minocin)
mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept)
penicillin.

What drugs lower WBC?

Drugs that may decrease WBC counts include antibiotics, anticonvulsants, antihistamine, antithyroid drugs, arsenicals, barbiturates, chemotherapeutic agents, diuretics and sulfonamides. Normal values. WBC – 4,500 to 10,000 cells/mcl. Can medicine lower white blood cell count? Infection: Viruses can affect your bone marrow and cause low WBCs ...

What does low white cells and low platelets mean?

Low white cell count (leukopenia) causes an increased risk for infection. Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can result in bleeding. Symptoms include: Bleeding gums. Easy bruising.

What is the most common cause of low platelet count and WBC?

One of the most common causes of low platelets is a condition called immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). You may hear it called by its old name, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

What is relation between WBC and platelets?

WBC counts correlated positively with platelet counts, which may suggest that a shared mechanism drives both the elevated platelet and WBC counts in patients with this syndrome. Of note, BMI, which is strongly related to the metabolic syndrome, 37 correlated positively with both platelet and leukocyte counts.

Can WBC be low for no reason?

Answer: A low white blood cell count can sometimes be a sign of an underlying medical problem, but not always. First, it's important to determine what your health care provider means by "low." Not all medical laboratories use the same range to decide what's normal and what's not.

What cancers are associated with low platelets?

Certain cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma can lower your platelet count. The abnormal cells in these cancers can crowd out healthy cells in the bone marrow, where platelets are made. Less common causes of a low platelet count include: Cancer that spreads to the bone.

What cancers cause low WBC?

Low white blood cell count. Cancers that affect the blood and bone marrow can also lower the count. These types of cancers include leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma.

How do you increase your white blood cells and platelets?

Foods to Boost White Blood Cells (Immunity)Omega-3 Fatty Acids. ... Green Tea. ... Garlic. ... Fruits And Vegetables. ... Special Note: Papaya. ... Nuts And Seeds. ... Special Note: Brazil nuts. ... Vitamins B6, B12 & Folic Acid (Folate)More items...

Is leukemia related to WBC?

Leukemia usually involves the white blood cells. Your white blood cells are potent infection fighters — they normally grow and divide in an orderly way, as your body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.

Do the white blood cells affect platelets?

These data suggest that WBCs significantly affect the metabolic activity of platelet concentrates and that the quality of stored platelets can be improved by reducing the number of contaminating leukocytes. Measurement of leukocytes may be important in quality control of platelet concentrates.

What is an alarming WBC count?

A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.

What viruses cause low WBC?

They help your body fight off diseases and infections. If you have too few WBCs, you have a condition known as leukopenia....Several infectious diseases that can cause leukopenia include:HIV or AIDS.tuberculosis.viral hepatitis.malaria.typhoid fever.

What happens if my WBC stays low?

If you have fewer than normal white blood cells, you have a higher risk of getting an infection. When you have a low white blood cell count, your immune system isn't working as well as it should. Doctors call this immunocompromised.

What immune system problem causes low platelets?

Immune thrombocytopenia usually happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys platelets, which are cell fragments that help blood clot. In adults, this may be triggered by infection with HIV , hepatitis or H. pylori — the type of bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

How do you increase your white blood cells and platelets?

What autoimmune disease causes low platelets?

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes you to have low platelet levels. latelets are cell fragments that are found in the blood and normally help the blood to clot. In people with ITP, the body produces antibodies that attack and destroy the platelets.

What is the WBC count in leukemia?

Typically a healthy person has a white blood cell count of about 4,000-11,000. Patients with acute or even chronic leukemia may come in with a white blood cell count up into the 100,000-400,000 range.

What could be cause of persistent high wbc (16-25k)high platelets (500)and very low vitamin d (<20)?

High WBC & platelets: Mild to moderately elevated blood counts in multiple cell lines (white blood cells and platelets) suggests: (1) possible chronic inflammatory conditio... Read More

What does it mean when your lymphocyte count is high?

Viral infection: If your lymphocyte count is high, it can be a sign of chronic lymphocytic leukemia or a reaction to a viral or fungal infection. (or both). When the ... Read More

How long does it take to video chat with a doctor?

Video chat with a U.S. board-certified doctor 24/7 in less than one minute for common issues such as: colds and coughs, stomach symptoms, bladder infections, rashes, and more.

Is platelet count normal?

You are mixed up!: Your platelet count is perfectly normal (Normal level ranges from 150,000 to 300,000. WBC count should be under 10,000...so your WBC count is a bit hig... Read More

Does iron deficiency cause platelets to shoot up?

Yes: Iron deficiency for some reason often shoots platelets up. This is high but i've seen it before as a result of iron deficiency. It's most important th ... Read More

Can low platelets cause low WBC?

Low platelets, WBC: There are many possible causes of low platelets and low WBC. Some medications can do this, some viral infections and many other causes. It is best t ... Read More

Can you call 911 for healthtap?

For these, please consult a doctor (virtually or in person). For potential or actual medical emergencies, immediately call 911 or your local emergency service.

Why do platelets decrease?

This causes a decrease in the number of platelets in circulating blood, leading to serious bleeding disorders. As platelets live for only 10 days, the body is not able to produce enough to keep the platelet count high enough. Decreased platelet counts can occur due to an unhealthy and enlarged spleen.

Why are platelets low?

Decreased platelet counts can occur due to an unhealthy and enlarged spleen. MayoClinic.com explains that the spleen is normally an important infection-fighting and blood filtering organ, but if it becomes enlarged it may trap too many platelets 2 3 4. This causes a decrease in the number of platelets in circulating blood, leading to serious bleeding disorders. As platelets live for only 10 days, the body is not able to produce enough to keep the platelet count high enough.

Why is my platelet count dropping?

What happens when the immune system attacks the body?

Autoimmune disorders occur when the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue. This can decrease white blood cell and platelet counts in the body. If the disease targets bone, it can also damage the bone marrow and hinder the production of blood cells.

What causes low platelets and white blood cells?

Causes of low platelets and white blood cells include illness, disease, medication side effects and complications of cancer treatments.

What are the two main blood cells?

Platelets and white blood cells are two of the main blood cell types in the body. Abnormal levels of these cells can be a sign of illness, disease or complications.

How does infection affect white blood cells?

An infection, particularly viral and parasitic infections, can decrease white blood cell counts by destroying cells and damaging bone marrow, where blood cells are produced . Platelets are also produced in the bone marrow, and MayoClinic.com notes that the production of these cells is also suppressed by infection, ...

What is a congenital disorder involving failure of neutrophils to enter the bloodstream?

Myelodysplastic syndromes. Myelokathexis (a congenital disorder involving failure of neutrophils to enter the bloodstream) Radiation therapy. Rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders. Tuberculosis (and other infectious diseases) Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom.

What diseases destroy bone marrow?

Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow. Autoimmune disorders that destroy white blood cells or bone marrow cells. Severe infections that use up white blood cells faster than they can be produced. Medications, such as antibiotics, that destroy white blood cells.

Why is my white blood count low?

A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow. Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function. Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow.

What causes low white blood cells?

White blood cells are manufactured in bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside some of your larger bones. A low white blood cell count usually is caused by: 1 Viral infections that temporarily disrupt the work of bone marrow 2 Certain disorders present at birth (congenital) that involve diminished bone marrow function 3 Cancer or other diseases that damage bone marrow 4 Autoimmune disorders that destroy white blood cells or bone marrow cells 5 Severe infections that use up white blood cells faster than they can be produced 6 Medications, such as antibiotics, that destroy white blood cells 7 Sarcoidosis (collections of inflammatory cells in the body)

Why does my thrombocytopenia increase during pregnancy?

Pregnancy: Gestational thrombocytopenia is a fairly common condition during the third trimester due to increased blood dilution, as blood volume continues to increase and platelet counts fail to increase at the same rate.

How to stop bleeding from low platelet count?

If you begin bleeding, follow these steps and contact your care provider: Have a seat or lie down. Try to remain calm. Apply pressure to the wound if you can see it. Apply an ice pack to the site to slow the bleeding.

What causes thrombocytopenia?

Autoimmune conditions: Diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis may cause immune thrombocytopenia as the immune system starts to attack itself, destroying platelets in the process. Bacterial blood infections: Bacteremia, or a bacterial infection affecting the blood, may destroy platelets.

What is CBC blood test?

Your platelets are analyzed during a complete blood count (CBC) test, which is a standard panel of bloodwork. Platelet count is one of the measures the CBC delivers. Here is the normal range and concerning levels of low platelets: 1 .

What happens if your platelet count is low?

Call your doctor if any of the following issues increase in frequency, severity, or become worrisome to you: 5 . Pain in your joints, particularly large joints like the knees and hips.

What causes low platelet count?

Nutritional deficiencies: As with anemia, iron deficiency or vitamin deficiencies (B12, folate) can lead to low platelet counts, since the body doesn't have the basic nutrients to create them. Viral infections: Certain viral infections such as hepatitis C or HIV may result in decreased production of platelets.

Why do clots clump together?

They are specifically designed for clotting; they clump together to prevent bleeding. If you have low platelets in your blood, known as thrombocytopenia, your ability to form clots and stop bleeding may be impaired.

What is ITP in medical terms?

ITP refers to idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It is also known as immune thrombocytopenia. The name of the condition relates to bleeding-induced rashes that occur as a result of a low platelet count. Idiopathic means that the cause is not known. In ITP, the immune system attacks platelets.

Why are platelets low?

The level of platelets is usually low as a result of two main factors. Either an underlying medical condition is causing the reduced level, or an individual is taking a medication or substance that serves to reduce platelet count.

What is low platelet count?

A low platelet count is a blood disorder that has a long list of possible causes . It is also known as thrombocytopenia. Reduced platelet content in the blood is not always a serious problem. However, the condition affects the ability of the blood to clot, and wounds can bleed severely with this condition. This can have serious complications in some ...

What causes low platelets?

Platelets are the component in blood that enables it to clot. Medicines, poisonous substances, heavy alcohol drinking, and even drinks with quinine in them, such as tonic water, can cause low platelet counts. Quinine is also found in tablets for leg cramps. If a doctor finds one of these substances to be the cause of a low platelet count, ...

How long do platelets stay in the blood?

Platelets are not invisible to the naked eye. The bone marrow produces them, and they travel in the blood for an average of 10 days before being destroyed.

What are the causes of thrombocytopenia?

Poisons that can cause thrombocytopenia include pesticides, arsenic, and benzene. The following are antiplatelet or anti-clotting drugs that reduce the platelet count: glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors, including abciximab, eptifibatide, and tirofiban. heparin.

What is the protein that holds a clot together?

Activated platelets also release sticky proteins to help form the clot. A protein known as fibrin forms a mesh of threads that holds the plug together.

What happens when you have a leukemia patient with insufficient RBC and platelet count?

In leukemia, so many HSCs get directed down the WBC pathway producing hordes of immature, ineffective WBCs, that there aren’t enough of them left doing their normal jobs of RBC and megakaryocyte production. This often leaves the leukemia patient with insufficient RBC and platelet counts—with anemia and spontaneous bleeding. The spontaneous bleeding is often reflected in mottling of the skin with tiny hemorrhagic spots called petechiae (pronounced pe-TEEK-ee-eye).

What is a low white cell count?

A low white cell count is called leukopenia (from leuko = white + penia = deficiency). Here’s my textbook coverage of that, with its most common causes.

What causes thrombocytopenia in the workplace?

One cause of thrombocytopenia is bone marrow poisoning by drug reactions or environmental poisons— sometimes workplace exposure to toxic chemicals like heavy metals and solvent fumes (volatile organic compounds, VOCs). Another cause is marrow destruction by radiation. Thus, hence uncontrollable bleeding is often a cause of death in cases of severe radiation exposure as in nuclear accidents.

Why is my RBC low?

RED BLOOD CELLS (RBCs) There are many reasons for a low RBC count (anemia). I think nutritional deficiencies are the most common. Aging, insufficient aerobic exercise, and renal insufficiency are also higher on the list than most other causes.

What is it called when you are talking about extremely low?

If you are talking about extremely low then it is called pancytopaenia.

Is Petechiae a leukemia?

Petechiae. Petechiae have numerous other causes as well, [ 1] by no means limited to leukemia.

Is hematology a textbook?

There are so many reasons, you could fill a thick book with them. It is called a hematology textbook. There is no ‘main reason’ there are a hundred. Hematology - oncology is a separate medical subspecialty.

What Happens Next?

When your WBC count is very low, you may need to take steps to avoid an infection.

Why is my WBC low?

Low WBC counts are often linked to bone marrow problems. Being around certain chemicals, like benzene and pesticides, as well as some types of cancer and cancer treatments including chemotherapy and radiation, can hurt your bone marrow's ability to make WBCs.

Why does my WBC count drop?

Spleen problems: The spleen also makes WBCs. Infections, blood clots, and other problems can make it swell and not work the way it should. This will drop your WBC count.

How many white blood cells are there in a microliter?

How many white blood cells (WBCs) someone has varies, but the normal range is usually between 4,000 and 11,000 per microliter of blood. A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should.

What is the spongy center of your bones called?

Bone marrow problems: The spongy center of your bones, which is called the bone marrow, makes blood cells. Low WBC counts are often linked to bone marrow problems.

What cells fight infection?

White blood cells , also called leukocytes, fight infection. They move throughout your body in your blood, looking for invaders. And your body is continuously making a fresh supply.

What diseases will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs?

Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune diseases, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, will tell your body to attack and destroy its own WBCs.

How to tell if you have thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: 1 Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) 2 Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs 3 Prolonged bleeding from cuts 4 Bleeding from your gums or nose 5 Blood in urine or stools 6 Unusually heavy menstrual flows 7 Fatigue 8 Enlarged spleen

How many platelets are in thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia means you have fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter of circulating blood. Because each platelet lives only about 10 days, your body normally renews your platelet supply continually by producing new platelets in your bone marrow.

Why do platelets stop bleeding?

Platelets stop bleeding by clumping and forming plugs in blood vessel injuries. Thrombocytopenia might occur as a result of a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia or an immune system problem. Or it can be a side effect of taking certain medications. It affects both children and adults.

What causes a shortage of platelets in the bloodstream?

Increased breakdown of platelets. Some conditions can cause your body to use up or destroy platelets faster than they're produced, leading to a shortage of platelets in your bloodstream. Examples of such conditions include: Pregnancy. Thrombocytopenia caused by pregnancy is usually mild and improves soon after childbirth.

What are the symptoms of thrombocytopenia?

Thrombocytopenia signs and symptoms may include: Easy or excessive bruising (purpura) Superficial bleeding into the skin that appears as a rash of pinpoint-sized reddish-purple spots (petechiae), usually on the lower legs. Prolonged bleeding from cuts.

What to do if bleeding won't stop?

Bleeding that won't stop is a medical emergency. Seek immediate help for bleeding that can't be controlled by the usual first-aid techniques , such as applying pressure to the area.

What causes a sharp drop in platelets?

Hemolytic uremic syndrome. This rare disorder causes a sharp drop in platelets, destruction of red blood cells and impairs kidney function. Medications. Certain medications can reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Sometimes a drug confuses the immune system and causes it to destroy platelets.

What is the last resort for removing the spleen?

The removal of the spleen due to low platelet count is a last resort when platelets are below 50 and probably less than 30.

What does low platelet count mean?

Low platelet counts are a common symptom of cirrhosis indicating the development of portal hypertension this is also associated with your spleen enlargement causing your spleen to sequester (hold on to) platelets. My pre treatment platelets were around 80 to 90 since cure 4 years ago they have slowly risen to now 125 still below normal.

What does hepa mean in medical terms?

flyinlynn. I guess you mean hepatologist which is a liver specialist (hepa meaning liver) A hematologist specialized in blood disorders (hema meaning blood) My phone tries to auto correct hepatologist to hematologist.

Why does my WBC count drop?

Spleen problems: The spleen also makes WBCs. Infections, blood clots, and other problems can make it swell and not work the way it should. This will drop your WBC count.

What is fibrosis score?

A fibrosis score of F4 is by definition cirrhosis. There are no levels of cirrhosis there are only compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Compensated cirrhosis is where the liver, although damaged and scarred, is still able to adequately perform its important functions.

Why is my WBC low?

What is the spongy center of your bones called?

Thank you, for sharing your knowledge, it feels better to talk to someone about it. Bone marrow problems: The spongy center of your bones, which is called the bone marrow, makes blood cells. Low WBC counts are often linked to bone marrow problems.