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Hepatitis C Main Forums => Hepatitis C Research News & Studies => Topic started by: FutureThinker on August 23, 2016, 01:04:33 pm

Title: Low platelet investigation drug study
Post by: FutureThinker on August 23, 2016, 01:04:33 pm

While at my doctor appt yesterday, I noticed a flyer advertising a study for those with low platelets involving a new investigational drug (it wasn't listed by name).  Just wanted to let those with this issue know there are some studies going on for this.  FT

Title: Re: Low platelet investigation drug study
Post by: FutureThinker on August 24, 2016, 12:08:18 pm

I had time today to look for the study and it involves the drug Avatrombopag, to see if it can be used for those with low platelet counts that need an elective procedure performed, sounds like for a temporary increase in order for the procedure to be done.  So, while this study is for a specific use, hopefully there will be an answer for chronic low platelets in the future.  FT

Title: Re: Low platelet investigation drug study
Post by: Lynn K on August 24, 2016, 01:29:24 pm

Hi FT

Thanks for that information.

For most of us with cirrhosis low platelets are caused by the structural changes of our livers caused by liver cirrhosis the low platelets are a symptom of the underlying cause.

The problem is cirrhosis causes portal hypertension which is high pressure in the primary vein in the liver the portal vein. This causes the spleen to enlarge and for whatever reason the spleen begins to sequester or capture and hold onto platelets lowering platelet counts. So I think any medicine to raise platelets would only be of limited use for us as the spleen would just continue to capture more platelets.

I guess for some other people the problem is their low production of platelets this is not the situation for those of us with cirrhosis.

My platelets have risen a little from the 80 to 90 range before treatment to 110 one year post so hoping that means my liver is healing and that with time maybe my liver will heal even more and someday I might even have a normal platelet test.

Next blood testing in October I am hoping to see even better platelet test results then.

Really the best chance we have is that by curing hep c we may have a reduction in scarring and inflammation as our livers heal and this could allow the spleen to return to normal and undoing the whole process of the changes caused by cirrhosis.

But thanks again could be helpful if one of us needs a procedure of some type where bleeding is a concern a temporary fix is better than none at all :)

Title: Re: Low platelet investigation drug study
Post by: FutureThinker on August 24, 2016, 01:37:08 pm

Hi Lynn and thanks, as always, for the good explanation of why some have low platelets, as I didn't know the etiology w/ cirrhosis. I just knew low platelets have been mentioned on this forum quite a bit and the flyer piqued my interest.  FT

Title: Re: Low platelet investigation drug study
Post by: Lynn K on August 24, 2016, 01:58:50 pm

Piqued mine too good to know there may be a way to increase platelet counts for those with dangerously low counts if even only temporarily so they could have an important medical procedures with reduced risk of serious bleeding