As a middle schooler, I was diagnosed with Grave's Disease (overactive thyroid) and had that treated. They also found ITP and I've been monitoring it for 26 years but never had treatment, except for Prednisone for my two births, in which my platelets rose to 33 and 48 and I didn't have any problems with bleeding. In fact, I've never had any problems with bleeding. When I get down to 5-10k, I see more bruising, but nothing alarming. I range between 12-30 but don't have any symptoms, no bruising, no bleeding, no red spots, nothing abnormal.
After reading stories here, I feel very fortunate, almost like I don't belong to the group of real ITP patients who are struggling with life threatening issues. It's interesting to read about ITP being connected to many other diseases, and I wonder what is so wrong (or so great) about my platelets.
Has anyone dealt with the false lab reports of platelets or live at a low number but with no symptoms? I found the idea of Pseudothrombocytompenia to be interesting, but I don't know where to find out more. After living symptom free for the past 26 years, I've given up on seeing a specialist, who never seemed to help in the past (because I didn't really need help). Even when I had a "high risk" pregnancy, the hematologist offered nothing more than Prednisone, and we had a normal birth with no abnormal bleeding. At first my numbers give fright, but then there is nothing to do since my body behaves normally.
Pseudothrombocytopenia is a common laboratory phenomenon that complicates or precludes reporting of platelet count. It is often, but not always, a phenomenon commonly caused by the anticoagulant EDTA. The prevalence of pseudothrombocytopenia varies depending on the study, but it is estimated to occur in up to 17% of patients who undergo blood tests using EDTA. The prevalence is higher in older adults and in patients with certain medical conditions, such as autoimmune disorders and cancer.Pseudothrombocytopenia can be difficult to diagnose, as it can mimic other conditions, such as thrombocytopenia. However, there are a few key features that can help to make the diagnosis, including:A history of EDTA-dependent pseudothrombocytopenia
A normal platelet count in citrate-anticoagulated blood
The presence of platelet clumps in the blood smear
If pseudothrombocytopenia is suspected, it is important to confirm the diagnosis by performing a blood test using citrate-anticoagulated blood. This will help to rule out other causes of thrombocytopenia. Pseudothrombocytopenia is a benign condition that does not require treatment. However, it is important to be aware of the condition so that it can be diagnosed and managed appropriately.
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