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Chemotherapy: Blood Cell Counts (Bone Marrow Changes)

Low Platelet Counts

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© American Cancer Society 2010

The normal range for platelet counts is between 150,000 and 450,000 per cubic millimeter (MM3), although this varies somewhat depending on the lab. The medical term for a low platelet count is thrombocytopenia.

If your platelet count is low, you may:

  • Bruise easily
  • Bleed longer than usual after minor cuts or scrapes
  • Have bleeding gums or nose bleeds
  • Develop petechiae (small reddish-purple spots on the skin)
  • Have headaches
  • Have visible blood in stool or urine
  • Have serious internal bleeding if the platelet count is very low

Although low platelet counts resulting from chemotherapy are temporary, they can cause serious blood loss. This, in turn, can lead to damage in internal organs.

Sometimes a low platelet count will delay necessary surgery because doctors are concerned about blood loss during surgery.

If platelet counts are very low (below 10,000) or if a person with moderately low counts is bleeding or bruising too easily, platelet transfusions may be given. Transfused platelets last only a few days and must often be repeatedly given. Some people who have received many platelet transfusions can develop an immune reaction that destroys donor platelets.

A platelet growth factor called oprelvekin (Neumega ®) is a drug that is sometimes given to people with severe thrombocytopenia. This can lower their need for platelet transfusions and can lessen the risk of bleeding. The drug is given as an injection under the skin (SQ) every day.

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