Is thrombocytopenia only in newborns?

My father has been diagnosed with this disorder, he has had Lung cancer, and 2 heart attacks, Is this possibliy due to the medications he was perscribed? I have only seen information on newborns, not adults over the age of 50. I would appreciate all the infor anyone can give, I don't want to loose my father due to ignorance. I'd greatly appreciate help finding the answers to help me understand what's going on with his health.

No - anyone can end up with thrombocytopenia. When it occurs spontaneously, it is called is called Idiopathic or immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). It can be caused by drugs, especially some antibiotics, it also seems to be triggered by viruses. It happened to me once after taking a strong antibiotic. My platelet counts dropped to zero for a short time. It took several months of prednisone to get the platelets to return. In some people, ITP becomes chronic and requires life-long treatment.

The loss of platelets is not usually life-threatening because platelets are involved mostly in clotting and transport of different enzymes and hormones. But it can be a serious problem if a person has a traumatic injury or requires surgery. Clotting is controlled by factors other than platelets (although at least some platelets are needed), and red blood cells an blood serum also transport enzymes and hormones, so other systems keep you going.

Hello,

Thrombocytopenia simply means a low platelet count. It is a side effect of Chemotherapy used to treat cancer. Your father's cancer doctor will regularly order blood tests to evaluate the effects of the Chemo on his blood. It sounds alot worse than it really is. Platelets make your blood clot if you bleed. With not enough platelets he has a danger of bleeding. He should avoid situations where he can get cut, use an electric razor not a straight blade. Avoid strenuous sports activities like football where he could get a crushing injury. If his platelets get severely low, the cancer doctor might change the chemo drugs or temporarily stop them. Also some people get PROCRIT injections to help stimulate the formation of red blood cells and platelets. Remember, every drug and medication has side effects. Your doctor has evaluated the good and the harm the drug will do.

For more information visit the Mayoclinic website that I posted at the bottom.
Good Luck,
Angie R.N.

Thrombocytopenia often occurs as a result of a separate disease or disorder. For example, a bone marrow disorder such as leukemia can interfere with platelet production and reduce the number of platelets in your blood. Or sometimes, thrombocytopenia occurs because of an immune system malfunction that develops for unknown reasons. In addition, thrombocytopenia may occur as a reaction to a MEDICATION.