Can inflammation cause high platelets?

Inflammatory diseases are so common in our lives that their seriousness is not easily recognized by everyone, which leads to the condition continuing to worsen. The harm can be said to be very great. Inflammation can cause an increase in platelets, but there are many other reasons for the increase in platelets, not just inflammation.

Positive response

What causes high platelets?

The reference value of platelet count is (100～300)×109/L. Any value below or above this range is considered abnormal.

Thrombocytosis When the platelet count is >400×109/L, it is called thrombocytosis. Essential thrombocythemia is common in myeloproliferative diseases, such as chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, etc. Reactive thrombocytosis is common in patients with acute and chronic inflammation, iron deficiency anemia, and cancer. The platelet count in this type of thrombocytosis generally does not exceed 500×109/L, and the platelet count will decrease rapidly after the condition improves after treatment. After splenectomy, platelet count will increase significantly, often exceeding 600×109/L. If the elevated platelet count is associated with a disease (secondary thrombocythemia), treatment should be directed at the underlying disease. If treatment is successful, the platelet count should usually return to normal levels.

If the cause of the high platelet count is not known (essential thrombocythaemia), drugs that decrease platelet production are often used. Treatment is usually started when the platelet count exceeds 750,000/μL or when bleeding or thrombotic complications occur. The drug is continued until the platelet count drops below 600,000/μl. The anticancer drug hydroxyurea is usually used, although the anticoagulant drug anagrelide is sometimes used. Since hydroxyurea can also reduce the production of red and white blood cells, its dosage must be adjusted to maintain an adequate number of red and white blood cells. Small doses of aspirin can reduce platelet adhesion, inhibit thrombosis, and delay the use of the above-mentioned drugs.

If drug therapy is insufficient to reduce platelet production, patients should be given platelet removal therapy. Plateletpheresis involves removing blood, removing platelets from it, and then returning the platelet-free blood to the body. This treatment is often used in conjunction with drug therapy.

Platelet disorders are caused by decreased platelet count (thrombocytopenia) or decreased platelet function (platelet dysfunction) leading to poor hemostasis and bleeding. The platelet count is lower than the normal range of 140,000 to 400,000/μl. Thrombocytopenia may be caused by insufficient platelet production, retention of platelets by the spleen, increased platelet destruction or utilization, and dilution (Table 133-1). Regardless of the cause, severe thrombocytopenia can cause typical bleeding: multiple ecchymoses, most commonly in the lower legs; or small scattered ecchymoses at sites of minor trauma; mucosal bleeding (nosebleeds, gastrointestinal and urogenital tract and vaginal bleeding); and massive bleeding after surgery. Massive gastrointestinal bleeding and bleeding in the central nervous system can be life-threatening. However, thrombocytopenia does not manifest as intra-tissue bleeding (such as deep visceral hematomas or hemarthrosis) as secondary to coagulation disorders (such as hemophilia, see Section 131).