Question
In June of this year, the child presented with fever to the municipal hospital emergency department, where a routine blood test revealed a low platelet count of 42. The doctor recommended further testing and treatment at a higher-level hospital, which was subsequently visited.
Answer
Platelets are primarily responsible for stopping and coagulating blood flow. A low platelet count can lead to spontaneous bleeding, ranging from subcutaneous bleeding (purpura) and bleeding gums to nosebleeds, and potentially internal bleeding or cerebral hemorrhage, posing a risk to life. To achieve a complete cure, it is necessary to combine traditional Chinese medicine with treatment for this condition. It is possible to completely cure thrombocytopenic purpura. Delaying treatment or using an inappropriate treatment plan can lead to prolonged illness, exacerbating the condition. Some patients may suffer for years, decades, or even decades. Prolonged illness inevitably leads to intractable thrombocytopenia, with platelet counts consistently below 10,000, where no Western medication is effective. At this stage, the difficulty of using traditional Chinese medicine to regulate the condition is significant, significantly impacting the patient’s quality of life. Therefore, early recognition and thorough treatment of the condition is crucial.