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Elevated numbers of reticulated platelets in hyperthyroidism: direct evidence for an increase of thrombopoiesis
G Stiegler1, P Stohlawetz, S Brugger
1Clinic for Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, University of Vienna, Austria.
We studied thrombopoietic activity in hyperthyroidism by determination of reticulated platelet counts. At the time of hyperthyroidism 14/15 patients had higher reticulated platelets than after achievement of euthyroidism (P<0.001). There was no difference in peripheral platelet counts and mean platelet volumes at the time of hyperthyroidism when compared to euthyroidism. Three patients had pan- and auto-reactive platelet antibodies during hyperthyroidism. These antibodies were directed against GPIIb/IIIa in two patients and against GPIb/IX in one patient. Our findings provide direct evidence that hyperthyroidism is associated with increased platelet production, as reflected by an increase in reticulated platelets.
We studied thrombopoietic activity in hyperthyroidism by determination of reticulated platelet counts. At the time of hyperthyroidism 14/15 patients had higher reticulated platelets than after achievement of euthyroidism (P<0.001). There was no difference in peripheral platelet counts and mean platelet volumes at the time of hyperthyroidism when compared to euthyroidism. Three patients had pan- and auto-reactive platelet antibodies during hyperthyroidism. These antibodies were directed against GPIIb/IIIa in two patients and against GPIb/IX in one patient. Our findings provide direct evidence that hyperthyroidism is associated with increased platelet production, as reflected by an increase in reticulated platelets.