My husband is suffering from relapsed multiple myeloma. his blood counts are very low.He is being given blood transfusion4 times so far and once and platlet transfusion. Now his platlet counts are 18000. Is it so bad and how to increase platlets without transfusion because he developed reaction like breathlessness and tremors lasttime.
Hello and welcome to Chat Doctor, Low platelets are caused by increased destruction of platelets, decreased production of platelets and loss of platelets. Multiple myeloma is a condition wherein there is reduced production of platelets due to replacement of bone marrow by cancerous cells. The treatment of multiple myeloma either by medicine or bone marrow transplant will treat the condition and improve the platelets. However, any mode of treatment will take time so in the meanwhile platelets have to be transfused to improve the platelet counts. Transfusion of platelet concentrate is safe and improves the platelet counts. Thanks and take care Chat Doctor.