Thrombocytopenia?

[dowellndoubtnot]

Hi all, its been a long time since i've posted! My partner was diagnosed with HIV a little over 4 years ago, and this forum was a great help at the time.

About 2 years ago, or a year and a half, his results showed that he had low blood platelet counts...90,000, and then 120,000, but then back into the normal range, but on his last bloodwork they were back down to around 120,000.

The doctor ordered an ultrasound of his spleen, which he has an appointment for in two weeks. His overall health and blood work has been good, but he has been having on and off abdominal pain over the past year or more. He is stressed because he knows that low platelets can be a result of lymphoma. Does anyone here have an experience with having low platelet count when the rest of the bloodwork is fine?

Thanks!

[bocker3]

While 120,000 is outside most reference ranges -- it's not all THAT low.  Sounds like your doctor is doing a good first step -- as the spleen holds about 1/3 of your platelets, normally.  If enlarged, it can hold more, thus reducing the amount in circulation.

LOTS of things can cause thrombocytopenia -- so no need to assume that it is lymphoma.  In fact, many cases are idiopathic, meaning there is no known cause - these generally resolve themselves. 

With a plt count of 120k he's not really in any serious danger of bleeding, but it should be checked out, as there has been a short history of low counts.  Believe me when I say they can go much lower -- I've performed CBC's with PLT counts of 3,000.

So -- while cause for investigation is present - I wouldn't move to any panic at this point.

Good luck.

Mike

[dowellndoubtnot]

Thanks so much! That makes me feel a little better.

What kind of things could cause an enlarged spleen? Does HIV in itself sometimes cause it?