What Causes a Low Platelet Count?
One cause of a low platelet count is decreased platelet production by the bone marrow. A number of conditions can cause the bone marrow to stop producing enough platelets. Certain types of cancers such as leukemia or cancers involving the lymph system can do it. More commonly, a viral infection can interfere with platelet production by the bone marrow. Some medications, vitamins deficiencies (B12 and folate), and even excessive alcohol intake can temporarily suppress the bone marrow causing a low platelet count. In rare cases, it can be due to a genetic condition or associated with kidney failure. In some cases, normal amounts of platelets are made by the bone marrow, but they’re removed too quickly from the blood stream. Some viruses and drugs can cause this, although another cause is an autoimmune disease where antibodies are produced against platelets, causing them to be destroyed prematurely. There’s also a condition known as ITP (idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura) where the immu
