From the Guidelines
Measles can cause low platelet counts, although the provided evidence does not directly support this claim. The available study 1 focuses on the general complications of measles, such as diarrhea, middle ear infection, bronchopneumonia, and encephalitis, but does not specifically mention thrombocytopenia or low platelet counts as a complication. However, based on general medical knowledge, measles can lead to thrombocytopenia due to the virus's impact on bone marrow and the immune system's response. Key points to consider include:
- The measles virus can infect and damage bone marrow cells responsible for platelet production
- The immune response triggered by the measles virus can destroy platelets in circulation
- Thrombocytopenia typically develops during the acute phase of measles infection and may persist for several weeks
- The severity of thrombocytopenia varies, with platelet counts sometimes dropping below 50,000 per microliter of blood
- Treatment primarily focuses on managing the underlying measles infection with supportive care, and in severe cases, additional treatments like intravenous immunoglobulin or corticosteroids might be considered
- Vaccination against measles is the most effective way to prevent this complication by preventing the primary infection altogether.
From the Research
Measles and Low Platelets
- Measles can cause low platelets, as evidenced by a case study where a 2-year-old girl developed agranulocytosis and thrombocytopenic purpura following measles infection 2.
- The exact mechanism of how measles causes low platelets is not fully understood, but it is suspected to be an autoimmune mechanism, with elevated serum levels of platelet-associated immunoglobulin G (IgG) and anti-neutrophil antibody 2.
- Viral infections, including measles, can cause thrombocytopenia through various mechanisms, including platelet consumption, sequestration, and impaired platelet production 3.
- Thrombocytopenia can also occur due to decreased platelet production, increased destruction, splenic sequestration, or dilution or clumping, and can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including infections 4.
- Infections, including viral infections like measles, can cause a decrease in platelet count due to effects on platelet production and platelet survival 5.