Monday 1 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 39.4: Thrombocytosis

Thrombocytosis = raised number of platelets.




Primary = essential thrombocythaemia
  • caused by a clonal proliferation of megakaryocytes
  • platelets typically >1000 (x10 to the power 9)
  • abnormal function, risking either thrombosis or bleeding
  • treatment = aspirin.  Hydroxycarbamide is given to lower platelets if pt is >60yrs or they have had a previous thrombosis

Secondary thrombocytosis
  • reactive to
    • bleeding
    • infection
    • trauma
    • thrombosis
    • infarction
    • iron deficiency


Now for some haemophilia....