HomeAnswersHematologyhigh platelet countI have reactive arthritis, elevated platelet count, and loose bowel movements. Why?

Can diarrhea due to magnesium supplements cause elevated platelet count?

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Published At May 25, 2023
Reviewed AtJuly 25, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a blood test showing a blood platelet count of 478. I have been experiencing foot and knee discomfort on and off for a few months, and I was told it is reactive arthritis. I was also experiencing a lot of loose bowel movements from magnesium supplements. Could it be related, and should I be overly concerned about the high platelet count? Also, blood work showed low sodium. I take medications Fioricet, Ativan, calcium, and vitamin D3 supplements.

Please help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

In case of any inflammation in the body, the platelet count can be raised. So due to inflammation, your platelet count can be raised temporarily. However, I suggest you investigate with a peripheral smear examination report for further workup. Your low sodium could be due to lost electrolytes in diarrhea fluid. Maintain hydration with lots of water and ORS (oral rehydrating solution) or Vital Z (sucrose, vitamin C, and Zinc Sulfate) like powder. It can also be taken with water to maintain electrolyte balance.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thanks for the reply. My doctor plans to redo the CBC blood work in two weeks. My main concern is whether the 478 platelet count is extremely elevated or not enough to get really worried over. I also forgot to mention that I had a rare reaction to the Shingrix vaccine last week with a fever and swollen armpit lymph nodes. Could this have been attributed to blood work results?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your query.

You may need not worry much regarding platelet count elevation. The normal range is 1.5 to 4.5 lakh platelets per microliter of blood. So it is only mildly elevated. Any type of inflammation in the body can lead to a release of IL-6 (interleukin 6) in the body. So more thrombopoietin is secreted, and so platelet count is elevated secondarily. It is called reactive or secondary thrombocytosis. After getting vaccinated, you have an inflammatory reaction. So yes, it can also be the reason for elevated platelet count. You can repeat your CBC (complete blood count) after a week or two weeks. It will be normal mostly. Do not worry. You can revert back with repeat reports.

I hope I have answered your question.

I would be happy to help you further whenever needed.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri
Dr. Goswami Parth Rajendragiri

Pathology

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