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Thrombocytosis in childhood: a survey of 94 patients
K W Chan1, Y Kaikov, L D Wadsworth
1Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia's Children's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.
Insights
Marked thrombocytosis, an elevated platelet count, is common in young children, often secondary to infections. This benign condition typically resolves without complications and requires no specific treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Modern electronic cell counters enable routine platelet count reporting.
- Marked thrombocytosis (platelet count > 900 x 10(9)/L) is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, causes, and clinical significance of marked thrombocytosis in children.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 episodes of marked thrombocytosis in 94 children over 12 months.
- Evaluation of associated disease states and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- Median patient age was 9 months.
- Most cases were secondary to various diseases, particularly central nervous system infections.
- Malignant diseases were rarely the primary cause.
- Platelet counts declined within 3 days of diagnosis.
- No thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications were observed.
Conclusions:
- Marked thrombocytosis is a common, benign finding in young children.
- It is usually secondary to underlying conditions like infections.
- Specific treatment for thrombocytosis itself is not necessary.
Abstract:
The introduction of the newer generation of electronic cell counters allows the routine reporting of platelet numbers when the peripheral blood count is requested. In a 12-month period, 100 episodes of marked thrombocytosis (platelet count more than 900 X 10(9)/L) were found among 94 children. These patients were young (median age 9 months). All but one episode of marked thrombocytosis occurred as a phenomenon secondary to a variety of disease states. Infections, especially those involving the central nervous systems were the commonest cause of an elevated platelet count in this series. Malignant diseases alone were rarely associated with thrombocytosis of this magnitude. The elevated platelet count began to decline at a mean of 3 days after diagnosis, and no thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications were encountered. Marked thrombocytosis is a benign, common phenomenon in young children, but specific treatment is not required.