Question
A child experienced abdominal pain, loose stools, slight coughing, and fever up to 38.5°C last night. After taking cold medicine, the body temperature returned to normal. The doctor diagnosed it as dyspepsia, a mild cold, and tonsillitis. However, blood tests showed a platelet count of up to 1759, far exceeding the normal range, and the child had previously been diagnosed with thalassemia. The doctor recommended referral to a hematology department. What could be the possible causes of this situation?
Answer
An abnormally high platelet count in children suggests a visit to the pediatric department for further bone marrow biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and receive standardized treatment. The normal range for platelets is 100 to 300, and an abnormal increase may be related to idiopathic thrombocytosis, which is prone to causing thrombotic and embolic diseases. It is recommended to undergo detailed examinations at a regular professional hospital before treatment.