From the Research
A high plateletcrit level can be caused by various factors, including inflammatory conditions, iron deficiency anemia, myeloproliferative disorders, and certain medications, and it is essential to determine the underlying cause to provide appropriate treatment. The most common causes of a high plateletcrit level include:
- Inflammatory conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or tissue damage which trigger increased platelet production 1
- Iron deficiency anemia, which frequently leads to elevated platelet counts as the body compensates for reduced oxygen-carrying capacity
- Certain cancers, particularly myeloproliferative disorders like essential thrombocythemia, polycythemia vera, and chronic myeloid leukemia, which directly affect platelet production in bone marrow 2, 3, 4
- Surgical procedures or significant blood loss, which can temporarily increase platelet production
- Some medications, including epinephrine, vincristine, and certain hormonal therapies, which can elevate platelet counts
- Removal of the spleen (splenectomy), which often results in higher platelet counts since the spleen normally removes aging platelets from circulation
- Inflammatory bowel diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic inflammatory conditions, which commonly cause secondary thrombocytosis It is crucial to follow up with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of a high plateletcrit level, as treatment depends on addressing the specific reason for the elevation rather than treating the platelet count itself 5.