raised platelets in pregnancy

Last reviewed 01/2018

  • reactive thrombocytosis (RT) may be responsible for more than 85% of cases with thrombocythaemia
    • causes of reactive thrombocythaemia (including inflammation, infection, haemorrhage and iron deficiency) must be excluded before a diagnosis of essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is made
      • in women of reproductive age the increased prevalence of iron deficiency should be considered
      • note though that, any degree of persistent thrombocytosis, whether or not it fulfils the conventional criterion of being above 600×109/l, must be pursued for the possible diagnosis of ET

Reference:

  1. Elliott MA et al.Thrombocythaemia and pregnancy. Leuk Lymphoma. 1996 Sep;22 Suppl 1:57-63.