There are many causes of low platelets. ITP is a primary, or direct, cause of low platelets.
There are also secondary, or indirect, causes of low platelets. This means that your low platelets are caused by another condition or treatment. Secondary causes of low platelets include:
- Infection with the hepatitis C Virus
- Chronic liver disease
- Infection with HIV
- Treatment with medicines, such as heparin or quinidine
- Chemotherapy
- Other secondary causes, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, and immunodeficiency states. Lymphoproliferative disorders, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, may also cause low platelets
Aplastic anemia may also cause low platelets. Aplastic anemia is a blood disorder that causes the body to stop making enough new blood cells.
