Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
09:01

An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

Published on: December 10, 2013

Reactive thrombocytosis in children with viral respiratory tract infections

K Haidopoulou1, M Goutaki, M Lemonaki

  • 1Fourth Department of Pediatrics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece. haidoka@auth.gr

Minerva Pediatrica
|September 13, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Reactive thrombocytosis is common in children hospitalized with viral lower respiratory tract infections. This condition is a reactive phenomenon and does not indicate bacterial infection or severe illness, negating the need for routine prophylactic treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Secondary thrombocytosis is frequently observed in pediatric patients.
  • It is commonly associated with lower respiratory tract infections, more often bacterial than viral.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence of thrombocytosis in children with viral lower respiratory tract infections.
  • To determine the clinical significance of thrombocytosis in this pediatric population.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of clinical data from 92 children (10 days to 8 years) hospitalized with viral lower respiratory tract infection.
  • Thrombocytosis defined as a platelet count >500×10^9/L.

Main Results:

  • Thrombocytosis was present in 59.78% of patients.
  • Children with thrombocytosis were significantly younger (P=0.002).
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections were associated with higher platelet counts (P=0.003); extreme thrombocytosis (>1000×10^9/L) occurred in 8.7% of patients, primarily infants with RSV bronchiolitis.

Conclusions:

  • Reactive thrombocytosis is a common finding in children hospitalized with viral lower respiratory tract infections.
  • It is a reactive phenomenon, not indicative of bacterial infection or a severe clinical course.
  • Routine prophylactic antiplatelet treatment or further investigations are not necessary.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis08:44

Separation of Immune Cell Subpopulations in Peripheral Blood Samples from Children with Infectious Mononucleosis

Published on: September 7, 2022

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses11:48

Generation, Amplification, and Titration of Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Viruses

Published on: April 4, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease01:29

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

Human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a widespread pathogen that primarily targets infants and young children but also poses a serious health risk to elderly and immunocompromised individuals. Belonging to the Pneumoviridae family, RSV is a negative-sense, single-stranded RNA virus within the Pneumovirus genus. Its global health burden is significant, with millions of cases annually resulting in hospitalizations and mortality, particularly in resource-limited settings. Although most...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Disorders of Hemostasis01:24

Disorders of Hemostasis

Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...