What Causes High Platelet Count?
October 4, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
A high platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytosis, can be caused by various factors. Platelets are blood cells involved in clotting and wound healing. When their count becomes abnormally high, it can be a result of one of two types of thrombocytosis: primary (also called essential) or secondary. The causes of each type include:
- Primary Thrombocytosis:
- Essential Thrombocythemia: This is a rare bone marrow disorder where the bone marrow produces too many platelets without a clear cause. It is often associated with genetic mutations, such as the JAK2 mutation.
- Secondary Thrombocytosis:
- Infections: Acute or chronic infections, particularly bacterial infections, can stimulate the body to produce more platelets.
- Inflammatory Conditions: Conditions characterized by chronic inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or some types of vasculitis, can lead to secondary thrombocytosis.
- Anemia: Certain types of anemia, particularly iron-deficiency anemia, can cause the bone marrow to overproduce platelets in response to low oxygen levels.
- Surgery or Trauma: After surgery, injury, or significant bleeding, the body may increase platelet production to aid in clot formation and wound healing.
- Chronic Hemolytic Anemias: Conditions where red blood cells are prematurely destroyed, such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia, can trigger the production of extra platelets.
- Cancer: Some cancers, particularly lung, ovarian, and gastrointestinal cancers, can cause secondary thrombocytosis.
- Medications: Certain medications, like corticosteroids or epinephrine, can lead to an elevated platelet count as a side effect.
- Iron-Deficiency: In some cases, iron-deficiency itself can lead to increased platelet production as a compensatory mechanism.
- Hemorrhage: Severe bleeding, such as gastrointestinal bleeding or heavy menstrual bleeding, can stimulate the bone marrow to produce more platelets.
- Recovery from Severe Illness: After recovering from a severe illness or surgery, platelet counts can remain elevated temporarily.
In most cases, a high platelet count is not a cause for immediate concern. However, it is important to identify the underlying cause, especially if thrombocytosis persists or is associated with other concerning symptoms. Diagnostic tests, such as blood tests and bone marrow aspiration, may be necessary to determine the cause and guide treatment.
The treatment of high platelet count depends on the underlying cause. If it is due to an underlying medical condition or medication, addressing that condition or adjusting the medication may help resolve the thrombocytosis. In some cases, medications to lower platelet counts may be prescribed. It is crucial to work closely with a healthcare provider for proper evaluation, diagnosis, and management of high platelet counts.