Aa
low wbc/plt
Does anyone know how low one's WBC or PLT counts can go before they stop treatment? Or what we should watch out for (symptom wise) besides obvious signs of infection? My husband is having weekly labs & these numbers are dropping slightly each week so far. He starts week 7 (of 48) tonight. He will see his Dr. next week, so I'm sure we will discuss this w him, but interested in any info I can get here. Thanks, Debbie
It's the ANC or Absolute Neutrophil Count we have to watch on treatment. Most doctors will intervene with Neupogen when the ANC drops below 500. Low ANC with antiviral therapy does mean your husband will be more susceptible to infection. It's different than if he were on cancer chemo therapy. He needs to be a little more cautious but doesn't have to worry about every virus he comes in contact with.
Platelets can go as low as 20,000 - 30,000 and some doctors will still continue treatment. Again, he has to be careful about injuries that may cause profuse bleeding or any surgical procedures.
Different doctors have different thresholds but if memory serves me docs get concerned and may dose reduce the interferon when platelets dip below 50,000. Dose reduction can help with low platelet and ANC counts but that's not something we want to happen, especially in the first 12 weeks of treatment.
What are your husband's numbers?
Trinity
Platelets can go as low as 20,000 - 30,000 and some doctors will still continue treatment. Again, he has to be careful about injuries that may cause profuse bleeding or any surgical procedures.
Different doctors have different thresholds but if memory serves me docs get concerned and may dose reduce the interferon when platelets dip below 50,000. Dose reduction can help with low platelet and ANC counts but that's not something we want to happen, especially in the first 12 weeks of treatment.
What are your husband's numbers?
Trinity
You are reading content posted in the Hepatitis C Community
Learn about this treatable virus.
Getting tested for this viral infection.
3 key steps to getting on treatment.
4 steps to getting on therapy.
What you need to know about Hep C drugs.
How the drugs might affect you.
These tips may up your chances of a cure.
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.
STIs are the most common cause of genital sores.
Condoms are the most effective way to prevent HIV and STDs.
PrEP is used by people with high risk to prevent HIV infection.
