Lupus potentially leading to low platelet count?
Lupus, an autoimmune condition affecting multiple organs and systems, can lead to a serious blood disorder known as thrombocytopenia. This condition involves a critically low platelet count, which can increase the risk of severe bleeding.
Severe lupus-associated thrombocytopenia requires prompt and effective treatment. Immunosuppressive therapy tailored to disease severity is often necessary. Treatment options may include corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, and novel targeted therapies like belimumab and telitacicept, which have shown benefits in reducing thrombocytopenia and other lupus symptoms.
In some cases, thrombocytopenia may improve without treatment in children over a few weeks or months. However, for severe cases, immediate treatment is crucial. Initial treatment often involves corticosteroids or intravenous antibodies.
Thrombocytopenia associated with lupus occurs because the body destroys the platelets it makes. Symptoms can include prolonged bleeding, petechiae, hematoma, frequent bruising, rectal bleeding, fatigue, an enlarged spleen, and bleeding gums or nose.
Close specialist monitoring (rheumatology and hematology) and supportive measures for reducing bleeding risk are essential. In some cases, a splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be necessary for chronic or severe thrombocytopenia, but its effectiveness varies.
Certain immunosuppressant drugs used to treat lupus, such as azathioprine and methotrexate, can cause thrombocytopenia. People with thrombocytopenia should also avoid common drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
It's important to note that the risk of death in people with lupus is significantly higher if thrombocytopenia is severe. Thrombocytopenia affects a significant number of people with lupus.
Long-term prognosis depends on the promptness and effectiveness of treatment. With appropriate therapy, many patients manage to achieve remission or controlled disease, enabling long-term survival and quality of life with ongoing care and monitoring.
Taking extra care when cycling, driving, and using sharp tools will help reduce the risk of an injury that may cause bleeding. To decrease the risk of bleeding in the brain, people with thrombocytopenia should avoid activities that may cause head injury.
[References] [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] - Various medical studies and research publications.
- Science and medical research have identified thrombocytopenia as a common chronic disease associated with autoimmune disorders like lupus, presenting a significant health-and-wellness concern.
- In the management of severe lupus-induced thrombocytopenia, science has developed various treatment options, including immunosuppressive therapies, corticosteroids, and novel targeted therapies, all aimed at reducing thrombocytopenia and other lupus symptoms.
- Close monitoring by rheumatology and hematology specialists is crucial in managing thrombocytopenia associated with chronic diseases like lupus, while precautions such as avoiding certain medications and high-risk activities can help minimize bleeding risks.
