My platelet count is high and it differs each month. Should I consult a hematologist?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 27-year-old female. I have dyslipidemia and currently taking Lipanthyl. I have been taking blood tests and consulting my doctor every month for five months. I manage to reduce my cholesterol, but the doctor is concerned with my platelet count right now. I have attached my blood platelet count for the past five months.

The first month- 506.
The second month - 476.
The third month - 475.
The fourth month - 475.
Current reading - 525.

The doctor has referred me to consult the hematologist. Should I really go consult the hematologist, or is this a normal blood platelet count?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In the case of elevated platelets,

Grade 1 thrombocytosis: Platelets range between 550 to 649.

Grade 2, thrombocytosis: Platelets range between 650 to 749.

Grade 3 thrombocytosis: 750 to 849.

Grade 4 thrombocytosis: 850 to 1099.

Grade 5 thrombocytosis: 1100 or more.

Elevated platelets are seen in iron deficiency anemia, infections, inflammation, drug-induced cases, and, very rarely, essential thrombocythemia. Rule out the causes of secondary thrombocytosis. If all causes are excluded, get JAK2, Exon12, and CALR mutations tested. Even in primary thrombocytosis, also called essential thrombocythemia, these mutations are frequently negative.

In cases of secondary thrombocytosis, the treatment of elevated platelets is to treat the cause. In primary thrombocythemia, if JAK2 is negative, the treatment is cytoreductive therapy by hydroxyurea. The goal is to keep platelets below 1000. Thrombolytic drugs such as Aspirin, Clopidogrel, and Warfarin are also a part of therapy.

For JAK2-positive patients, Ruxolitinib tablets are given in a dose of 5 to 15 mg per day. Another option is IFN (Iinterferon) alpha in low doses (45 microgram/week) in both JAK2-positive and -negative cases. CALR-positive cases show superior results in this mode. It could take years to cure the disease. This is not a life-threatening disease unless thromboembolism involves the heart, lungs, and/or brain. Sometimes, the first manifestation of the disease is thromboembolic events.

I hope this helps.