What can be done to increase platelet count is to receive a transfusion of platelets using the blood itself or the blood of donors, although using the blood itself offers much less risk.
For this, the blood is centrifuged to separate its components, thus obtaining the platelet rich plasma, which can have up to 8 times more platelets than ordinary plasma. Plasma is the liquid part that makes up the blood and that remains after the cells are withdrawn.
Others treatments used for increase platelets, are:
- Corticosteroids: may increase platelet count, although this increase may be transient;
- Medications, such as azathioprine, that suppress the immune system;
- Intravenous administration of high doses of immunoglobulin or anti-Rh factor intravenously.
As for food, there is no foods which may increase the platelet count, although it is important to have a diet rich in vitamins, minerals and proteins to ensure the proper functioning of the bone marrow, which produces blood platelets.
Foods sources of vitamin K, such as liver, milk, dark green leafy vegetables and egg yolks, help control hemorrhages, since they reduce the amount of platelets needed for blood clotting, thus avoiding large reductions in the levels of these cells.
