What causes thrombocytosis in children?

Generally, it is a reactive process caused by infection, chronic inflammation, iron deficiency, tissue damage, cancer, drugs and surgical or functional splenectomy. Thrombocytosis is mild in 72-86% of children, moderate in about 6-8%, and extreme in 0.5-3%.

What does a high platelet count mean in children?

A high platelet count is 400,000 (400 × 109/L) or above. A higher-than-normal number of platelets is called thrombocytosis. It means your body is making too many platelets. Causes may include: A type of anemia in which red blood cells in the blood are destroyed earlier than normal (hemolytic anemia)

What is Pediatric thrombocytosis?

Thrombocytosis, an increased platelet count above the upper limit of normal (ULN) range, is common in infants and children. Unlike in adults, however, the overwhelming majority of pediatric thrombocytosis cases are reactive, ie, secondary and benign. Normally, no treatment is necessary for reactive thrombocytosis.

What happens if platelets are high?

Thrombocytosis is a condition in which there are an excessive number of platelets in the blood. Platelets are blood cells in plasma that stop bleeding by sticking together to form a clot. Too many platelets can lead to certain conditions, such as stroke, heart attack or a clot in the blood vessels.

What does it mean if platelets are high?

A high platelet count may be referred to as thrombocytosis. This is usually the result of an existing condition (also called secondary or reactive thrombocytosis), such as: Cancer, most commonly lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or lymphoma.

What happens if platelets are 500000?

Your risk for bleeding develops if a platelet count falls below 10,000 to 20,000. When the platelet count is less than 50,000, bleeding is likely to be more serious if you’re cut or bruised. Some people make too many platelets. They can have platelet counts from 500,000 to more than 1 million.

How quickly can platelets increase?

An increased or normalized platelet count is generally seen within 2 weeks of therapy, particularly with high-dose dexamethasone. Your doctor will then likely cut your dose gradually over the next 4 to 8 weeks.