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What causes platelets to break down?

What causes platelets to break down?

Severe bacterial infections involving the blood (bacteremia) can destroy platelets. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. This is a rare condition that occurs when small blood clots suddenly form throughout your body, using up large numbers of platelets. Hemolytic uremic syndrome.

What disease destroys platelets?

Immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a bleeding disorder in which the immune system destroys platelets, which are necessary for normal blood clotting. People with the disease have too few platelets in the blood.

What vitamin deficiencies cause low platelets?

Severe deficiencies of vitamin B12 or folic acid and excessive alcohol can cause low platelet counts.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause low platelets?

Conclusions: In our two case reports, we found an association between vitamin D deficiency and immune thrombocytopenia where platelet levels responded to vitamin D treatment and hydroxychloroquine but not to prednisone.

What autoimmune disease affects platelets?

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.

What not to eat when you have low platelets?

Certain foods and drinks can reduce platelet counts including:

  • alcohol.
  • aspartame, an artificial sweetener.
  • cranberry juice.
  • quinine, a substance in tonic water and bitter lemon.

What foods lower blood platelets?

Fruits. Berries, cherries, oranges and raisins also contain salicylates that reduce platelet aggregation, according to a study on the effects of salicylates found in food on cardiovascular health. According to World’s Healthiest Foods, grapes also reduce platelet aggregation.

How low can your platelets go before death?

A platelet count below 50,000 is low. When your platelet count is low, you may bruise or bleed more easily than usual. A platelet count below 20,000 is very low. When it’s this low, you may bleed even when you are not injured.

What number is a dangerous platelet count?

Dangerous internal bleeding can occur when your platelet count falls below 10,000 platelets per microliter. Though rare, severe thrombocytopenia can cause bleeding into the brain, which can be fatal.

What are the effects of low platelets?

People with a low number of platelets may bleed or bruise easily, even after a minor injury. A low platelet count increases the risk of bleeding, especially from the mouth, nose and gastrointestinal tract.