low platelets count

[Shark Bait]

What effect does diving have on low platelet count?

I was born with THAR syndrome & have a low platelet count.
It is generaly in the 30's but at times it goes down to 24 & goes back up to my normal 30's.

SharkBait

 

[DocVikingo]

The Dr Decompression forum is described as: "Ask Dr. Deco questions concerning the scientific aspects of decompression." Dr. Deco is a Ph.D. research scientist.

As such, I have taken the liberty of moving your post to the Diving Medicine forum which is designed for medical inquiries.

Now I need to ask, what do you mean by "THAR syndrome?" Could you perhaps be referring to "thrombocytopenia, absence of radius syndrome," or "TAR syndrome?"

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[Shark Bait]

The Dr Decompression forum is described as: "Ask Dr. Deco questions concerning the scientific aspects of decompression." Dr. Deco is a Ph.D. research scientist.

As such, I have taken the liberty of moving your post to the Diving Medicine forum which is designed for medical inquiries.

Now I need to ask, what do you mean by "THAR syndrome?" Could you perhaps be referring to "thrombocytopenia, absence of radius syndrome," or "TAR syndrome?"

Best regards.

DocVikingo

I have Thrombocytopenia.

Shark Bait

 

[DocVikingo]

Diving should have little to no effect low platelet count. However, low platelet count most definitely can make diving a risky endeavor.

The primary concern for the diver with thrombocytopenia is bleeding. The pressure changes & equalization techniques inherent in scuba could result in excessive bleeding in persons with a deficient platelet count. The sinuses, ears & lungs would be especially vulnerable. Falls on the boat or shore, or being bumped by or wrestling with heavy gear also are concerns.

Before diving, the individual would want to have recent evaluations of platelet count & clotting times to insure that they are within acceptable limits.

There also seems the possibility that your hematocrit (a measure of the number & size of circulating red blood cells) may be worrisome. In any event, red cell measures & hemoglobin level must be appropriate to meet the needs of adequate oxygen transport during vigorous activity.

Finally, there is the matter of the cause of the thrombocytopenia and whether it or its treatment raises additional issues regarding scuba.

An individual with such a blood disorder would be prudent to seek clearance from a qualified physician, preferably a hematologist with some knowledge of diving medicine, before undertaking scuba.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[beche de mer]

The primary concern for the diver with thrombocytopenia is bleeding. The pressure changes & equalization techniques inherent in scuba could result in excessive bleeding in persons with a deficient platelet count. The sinuses, ears & lungs would be especially vulnerable. Falls on the boat or shore, or being bumped by or wrestling with heavy gear also are concerns.

I would strongly support DocVikingo on this. There is some variation of opinion regarding the platelet count at which thrombocytopenia should be treated. (e.g. platelet transfusion.) Some authorities say that, under normal circumstances, they can be allowed to fall as low as 10,000 before treatment is required.

But diving is far from normal circumstances. The tissues are being stretched, sucked, squeezed, pushed, pulled, rubbed, bumped, cut and generally knocked around.

If your count is getting into the twenties, I think you should seek expert advice.