I have cirrhosis and my platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells are slightly low. My platelets run about 115, my white count runs between 3-4 and my red count bounes from low normal to just below normal. My hemoglobin is always normal. So, if you do not have cirrhosis it is usually something else causing the low counts. You haven't mentioned your exact counts. That might help. Also, what has your doctor said? This would have nothing to do with your genotype.
Hi Becksta,
Could you clarify your question because you mention both platelets and red blood cells in your post?
(Red blood cells carry oxygenated blood to the body while platelets are pieces in the blood that stick together when you have a wound to create clots, so we're talking two different things.)
Trinity has addressed low platelets but if your question is about red blood cells (RBC's), then have a read through this article because if you're not treating for HCV, then there are many possibilities. (For example, young women can have anemia due to menstruation.)
Low hemoglobin count
By Mayo Clinic staff
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Original Article:http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/low-hemoglobin/MY01183/DSECTION=causes
Definition
A low hemoglobin count is a below-average concentration of the oxygen-carrying hemoglobin proteins in your blood. Hemoglobin (Hb or Hgb) is the main component of red blood cells.
A low hemoglobin count is generally defined as less than 13.5 grams of hemoglobin per deciliter (135 grams per liter) of blood for men and less than 12 grams per deciliter (120 grams per liter) for women. In children, the definition varies with age and sex. The threshold differs slightly between medical practices.
A low hemoglobin count is a common blood test result. In many cases, a low hemoglobin count is only slightly lower than normal, isn't considered significant and causes no symptoms. A low hemoglobin count can also be caused by an abnormality or disease. In these situations, a low hemoglobin count is referred to as anemia.
Causes
Normally low hemoglobin counts
A low hemoglobin count isn't always a sign of illness — it may be normal for some people. Young, menstruating women may have low hemoglobin counts. Women who are pregnant commonly experience low hemoglobin counts.
Low hemoglobin counts associated with diseases and conditions
A low hemoglobin count can be associated with many diseases and conditions that cause your body to have too few red blood cells. This can occur if your body produces fewer red blood cells than usual, if your body destroys red blood cells faster than they can be produced or if you experience blood loss.
Diseases and conditions that cause your body to produce fewer red blood cells than normal include:
Aplastic anemia
Cancer
Certain medications, such as anti-retroviral drugs for HIV infection and chemotherapy drugs for cancer and other conditions
Cirrhosis
Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Iron deficiency anemia
Kidney disease
Lead poisoning
Leukemia
Multiple myeloma
Myelodysplastic syndromes
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Vitamin deficiency anemia
Causes
Diseases and conditions that cause your body to destroy red blood cells faster than they can be made:
Enlarged spleen (splenomegaly)
Porphyria
Sickle cell anemia
Thalassemia
Vasculitis
Causes
A low hemoglobin count can also be due to blood loss, which can occur because of:
Bleeding from a wound
Bleeding in your digestive or urinary tract
Frequent blood donation
Heavy menstrual periods
Nosebleeds
When to see a doctor
A low hemoglobin count is often discovered during a complete blood count test. If your test reveals you have a low hemoglobin count, ask your doctor what this means for you.
Make an appointment if you have signs and symptoms
If you experience signs and symptoms of a low hemoglobin count, make an appointment with your doctor. Signs and symptoms may include:
■Faster than normal heartbeat during exercise or activity
■Fatigue
■Feeling short of breath
■Lack of energy during your usual activities
■Pale skin and gums
could be caused by a variety of things is it your RBC or hgb? that are dropping?
Low platelets with hepc can be an indication of advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis.
Trinity