a newbie with a history

G'morning,


I was recently dx'd with ITP by my oncologist, after repeating blood work 3 times because the platelets were clumping.

My question is how important is it to know the cause of ITP or other conditions surrounding it? I have been dealing with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma for 20 years, with 6 relapses in the past 9 years. At the beginning of this years I had treatment for iron deficiency anemia. I also have a first degree relative with RA & 1 with SLE .. .. .. both autimmune disorders.

Should I ask my onc about digging deeper for a possible tie in with any of those or is going ahead with prednisone treatment the best way to go for now?

Chris:

Most of us do not know the actual 'cause' of our ITP, but some of us suspect something that may have triggered it. Viruses, bacterial infections, vaccines and certain medications can trigger ITP. I was diagnosed after a cold, but 8 years after I got the ITP diagnosis, I was diagnosed with Lupus so I suspect I had a genetic predisposition to autoimmune disorders. Having a predisposition can cause susceptibility.

You have a different case than most of us because of the lymphoma. I don't know what treatments you've used, but some can cause bone marrow suppression which may be a cause for your low counts. That would be a question for your Hemo.

It's nearly impossible to find a cause unless it's related to another health issue. Most of the time, that is not the case but again, you are a bit different. I'm sure if your Hemo suspected that it was cancer related, he would check you out thoroughly. In the meantime, you might have to do something to get counts up and Prednisone is normally the first treatment used as unpleasant as it may be. Counts above 20k do not usually require treatment if it is truly ITP.

I started on the prednisone this morning, with Ativan to help me chill at night & be able to sleep. I go back to my onc in a week, after more blood work to see how things are going.

With a first degree relative that has lupus & another with RA(both auto immune); I am going to ask about the wisdom of a referral to a rheumatologist

It's not a bad idea, but lacking physical symptoms, there won't be anything they can do.

I guess like some other newbies, my curiosity defies logic

Very helpful article:

Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) – a guide for people with lymphoma
www.lymphomas.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdfs/Low-platelets-thrombocytopenia-a-guide-for-people-with-lymphoma.pdf

Low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) can be caused by lymphoma itself or by the lymphoma treatment, neither of which is considered ITP. But multiple autoimmune conditions (including ITP and certain lymphomas) often occur in the same person. This does not necessarily imply SLE.

How low are your platelets? Doctors tend to over treat when counts are below normal, but anything over 30 is considered enough for daily living, unless you are anticipating major surgery.

If you are already immunosuppressed from a lymphoma treatment, be cautious while taking prednisone, which is an immunosuppressant.