Question
Why is a 2-year-old girl’s platelet count over 800? What should be done?
Answer
Elevated platelet count refers to a platelet count above 400×10^9/L, which can be caused by bone marrow hyperplasia. Reactive thrombocytosis is common in patients with acute or chronic inflammation, iron deficiency anemia, and tumors. In these cases, the platelet count usually does not exceed 500×10^9/L, and the platelet count will often decrease rapidly after treatment. Post-splenectomy, the platelet count may also significantly rise, sometimes exceeding 600×10^9/L. If the increase in platelet count is related to a specific disease, treatment should be targeted at the underlying condition. If treatment is successful, the platelet count typically returns to normal levels.