Description

Platelets are parts of the blood that help form blood clots. Thrombocytosis (throm-boe-sie-TOE-sis) is a disorder in which the body produces too many platelets.

It is called a reactive thrombocytosis or thrombocytosis secondary when the cause is an underlying condition, such as an infection.

Less commonly, when the high platelet count has no apparent underlying condition, such as a cause, the disorder is called thrombocythemia, primary or essential thrombocythemia. This is a blood and bone marrow disease.

A high level of platelets can be detected in a routine blood test known as a complete blood count. It is important to determine if it is a reactive thrombocytosis or essential thrombocythemia to choose the best treatment options.

Symptoms

People with high levels of platelet often have no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often associated with the formation of blood clots. Examples include:

  • The pain of a headache.
  • Confusion or changes in speech.
  • Pain in the chest.
  • Difficulty breathing and nausea.
  • The weakness.
  • Burning and pain in the hands or feet.

Less commonly, very high levels of platelets can cause bleeding. This can cause:

  • Nosebleeds.
  • The bruises.
  • Bleeding from the mouth or gums.
  • Stools with blood.

Causes

The bone marrow is a spongy tissue inside the bones. Contains stem cells that can become red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. Platelets adhere to each other, helping the blood to form a clot that stops bleeding when a blood vessel damage, such as when you cut yourself. Thrombocytosis occurs when the body produces too many platelets.

Thrombocytosis reactive

This is the most common type of thrombocytosis. It is caused by an underlying medical problem, such as:

  • The loss of blood.
  • Cancer.
  • Infections.
  • The deficiency of iron.
  • The removal of the spleen.
  • Hemolytic Anemia — a type of anemia in which your body destroys red blood cells faster than they are produced, often due to certain blood diseases, or autoimmune disorders.
  • Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
  • Surgery and other types of trauma.

Essential thrombocythemia

The cause of this disorder is not clear. Often it seems to be connected to changes in certain genes. The bone marrow produces too many of the cells that form platelets, and these platelets often do not function correctly. This poses a much higher risk of clotting or bleeding complications that a reactive thrombocytosis.

Complications

Essential thrombocythemia may carry a variety of possible life-threatening complications, such as:

  • The strokes. If a blood clot that occurs in the arteries that supply the brain, it can cause a stroke. A mini-stroke, also known as a transient ischemic attack, is a temporary disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain.
  • Heart attacks. Less commonly, essential thrombocythemia can cause the formation of clots in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
  • Cancer. Rarely, essential thrombocythemia can lead to a type of leukemia that progresses rapidly.

Complications in pregnancy

The majority of women who have essential thrombocythemia normal, healthy pregnancies. But uncontrolled thrombocythemia (et), can lead to miscarriage and other complications. The risk of pregnancy complications can be reduced with regular check-ups and medication, so make sure that your doctor regularly to monitor your condition.

Diagnosis

A blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) may show if the platelet count is too high. You may also need blood tests to check:

  • High or low levels of iron.
  • Markers of inflammation.
  • Not diagnosed with cancer.
  • Mutations of the genes.

You may also need a procedure that uses a needle to remove a small sample of bone marrow for testing.

Treatment

Thrombocytosis reactive

The treatment for this condition depends on the cause.

  • The loss of blood. If you have had significant blood loss from a recent surgery or an injury, your high platelet count can solve on its own.
  • Infection or inflammation. If you have a chronic infection or an inflammatory disease, the platelet count is likely to remain high until the disease is under control. In most cases, the platelet count returns to normal after the cause is resolved.
  • The removal of the spleen. If you have had your spleen removed, you can have all the life thrombocytosis, but it is unlikely that the need for treatment.

Essential thrombocythemia

People with this condition have no signs or symptoms usually do not need treatment. You might need to take a daily low dose of aspirin to help thin the blood, if you are at risk of blood clots. Do not take aspirin without first talking with your health care team.

You may need to take prescription medications or procedures to decrease the levels of platelet-if:

  • Have a history of blood clots, and bleeding.
  • You have risk factors for heart disease.
  • Are 60 years or older.
  • They have a very high platelet count.

Your doctor may prescribe platelet-lowering drugs such as hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea), anagrelide (Anagrelide) or interferon alfa (Intron a).

In emergency situations, platelets may be filtered from the blood using a machine. This procedure is called plateletpheresis. The effects are temporary.

Preparing for your appointment

It is likely that a routine blood test that shows a high platelet count will be your first indication that you have thrombocytosis.

Besides taking your medical history, physical examination and performance testing, your doctor may ask about factors that could affect your platelets, such as recent surgery, a blood transfusion or an infection. You may be referred to a hematologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the blood.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment.

What you can do

Be aware of pre-appointment restrictions. When you make the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.

Make a list of:

  • Your symptoms and when they began.
  • Your medical history, including recent infections, surgical procedures, bleeding, and anemia.
  • All the drugs, vitamins, and other supplements that you take, including over-dose.
  • Questions to ask your doctor.

Have a friend or family member, if possible, to help you remember the information they give you.

For thrombocytosis, questions include:

  • What tests do I need?
  • Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
  • What treatment do you recommend it?
  • What follow-up care will I need?
  • Do I need to limit my activity?
  • I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
  • You should see a specialist?
  • Do you have brochures or other printed material I can have? What sites do you recommend?

Do not hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask you questions, such as:

  • Have your signs and symptoms worsen with time?
  • Do you drink alcohol? Do you smoke?
  • You have had your spleen removed?
  • Do you have a history of bleeding or a lack of iron?
  • Do you have a family history of high platelet count?
Symptoms and treatment of Thrombocytosis