Does HIV affect platelet count?
Thrombocytopenia is a common complication of HIV infection. The low platelet count can be caused by multiple mechanisms including immune-mediated destruction, decreased platelet production, effects of drugs on progenitors, or by the development of a form of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
Does HIV cause low platelets?
Decreased platelet production is common in HIV infection regardless of the platelet count, and it may be associated with the ultrastructural damage in HIV-infected megakaryocytes.
What is dapsone used for in HIV?
Dapsone is commonly used for the prophylaxis of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia in patients with a diagnosis of HIV infection who have allergies to sulfa-based drugs. Dapsone has several adverse effects in its profile that make it a potentially dangerous second-line agent.
What autoimmune disease causes low platelets?
What is ITP? Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a rare autoimmune disorder that causes you to have low platelet levels. Platelets 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.
Can low platelets cause low immune system?
If you do not have enough platelets in your blood, you are likely to bruise very easily or may be unable to stop bleeding if you cut yourself. ITP causes your body’s immune system to destroy your platelets. White blood cells in your blood and your spleen (an organ in your abdomen) are part of your immune system.
What happens if platelet count is low?
When you don’t have enough platelets in your blood, your body can’t form clots. A low platelet count may also be called thrombocytopenia. This condition can range from mild to severe, depending on its underlying cause. For some, the symptoms can include severe bleeding and are possibly fatal if they’re not treated.
What is the most common cause of low platelet count NHS?
A low platelet count can be caused by a number of other conditions so a number of blood tests will be needed to check for other causes of low platelets, such as liver disease and viral infections, including HIV. A bone marrow biopsy may be taken at a later stage if the ITP continues.
Why is my immune system attacking my platelets?
What causes idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura? In ITP, the immune system is stimulated to attack your body’s own platelets. Most often this is a result of antibody production against platelets. In a small number of cases, a type of white blood cell called T-cells will directly attack platelets.
What cancers cause low platelets?
In patients with cancer, low platelet count may be caused by:
- Certain types of cancer: patients with lymphomas or leukemias may be at higher risk for low platelet counts.
- Certain types or cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy that is used in large amounts or in combination with chemotherapy.
What should I eat if I have low platelets?
Several vitamins and minerals can encourage a higher platelet count, including:
- Folate-rich foods. Share on Pinterest Black-eyed peas are a folate-rich food.
- Vitamin B-12-rich foods.
- Vitamin C-rich foods.
- Vitamin D-rich foods.
- Vitamin K-rich foods.
- Iron-rich foods.