Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis 

Definition

Thrombocytosis is a blood disorder in which the body produces a surplus of platelets (thrombocytes).

Description

Thrombocytosis is an abnormally increased number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are blood cells that stick together, helping blood to clot. Thrombocytosis is a condition that may have many causes.

Throbocytosis is classified as one of two types. Secondary thrombocytosis can be traced to another cause, such as inflammation, severe bleeding, iron deficiency, or some cancers. Primary thrombocytosis (or essential thrombocythemia) is a single disease entity, with unique clinical characteristics.

Causes and symptoms

The cause of essential thrombocytosis is unknown.

Secondary thrombocytosis may develop as a result of:

Symptoms

Two of every three patients who have thrombocytosis do not have any symptoms of the disease at the time of diagnosis. Younger patients may remain symptom-free for years.

Enlargement of the spleen is detected in 60% of patients with thrombocytosis. The liver may also be enlarged. As many as half of all patients experience bleeding from the skin, gums, or nose; and 20-50% have some blockage of veins or arteries.

Other symptoms of thrombocytosis include:

The highest platelet counts usually produce the most severe symptoms. Younger patients (especially women) may not have symptoms, even though their platelet counts are very high.

Complications

Complications of thrombocytosis include stroke, heart attack, and formation of blood clots in the arms and legs.

A doctor should be notified whenever bleeding is unexplained or prolonged or the patient develops:

Diagnosis

The patient's symptoms suggest the presence of thrombocytosis. Blood tests confirm the diagnosis.

Bone marrow aspiration (removal of a tissue sample for microscopic examination) may also be performed.

Treatment

The key to treating secondary thrombocytosis is treating the underlying condition.

Any patient who has thrombocytosis should be encouraged not to smoke.

In young people who have no symptoms, this condition can remain stable for many years. These patients should be monitored by a physician, but may not require treatment.

Treatment for patients who do have symptoms focuses on controlling bleeding, preventing the formation of blood clots, and lowering platelet levels. Treatment for secondary thrombocytosis involves treating the condition or disease responsible for excess platelet production.

In 1997, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of anagrelide HCl (Agrylin) to reduce elevated platelet counts and decrease the risk of clot formation. Some patients have benefited from the use of hydroxyurea, an anti-cancer drug.

Low doses of aspirin may prevent clotting, but can cause serious hemorrhages.

If drug therapy does not bring platelet counts down to an acceptable level as rapidly as necessary, plateletpheresis may be performed. Usually combined with drug therapy and used primarily in medical emergencies, this procedure consists of:

Prognosis

Many patients with thrombocytosis remain free of complications for long periods. However, some patients may die as a result of blood clots or uncontrolled bleeding.

Prevention

There is no known way to prevent thrombocytosis.

Resources

Other

"Primary Thrombocythemia." The Merck Page. June 3, 1998. http://www.merck.com.

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thrombocytosis /throm·bo·cy·to·sis/ (-si-to´sis) thrombocythemia; an increase in the number of circulating platelets.

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throm·bo·cy·to·sis (thrmb-s-tss)

n.

An increase in the number of platelets in the blood. Also called thrombocythemia.

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thrombocytosis (throm´bōsītō´sis),

n unusually large numbers of platelets in the circulating blood. It may occur after surgical procedures, parturition, and injury, or with thrombocythemia.

Thrombocytopenia.

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thrombocytosis

increase in the number of platelets in the circulating blood. See also thrombocythemia.

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autonomous thrombocytosis

one resulting from a myeloproliferative disorder.

reactive thrombocytosis

one occurring in association with acute hemorrhage, trauma, neoplasia, etc.