From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Elevated platelet counts can be caused by various factors, including iron deficiency anemia, inflammatory conditions, recent surgery or trauma, certain medications, and underlying myeloproliferative disorders, even when other health parameters appear normal. The most common causes of thrombocytosis include iron deficiency anemia, which triggers increased platelet production as the body responds to low iron levels. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease can elevate platelets as part of the body's inflammatory response, even when symptoms aren't obvious. Recent surgery, trauma, or infection may cause reactive thrombocytosis as platelets increase during the healing process. Certain medications such as epinephrine, vincristine, or all-trans retinoic acid can stimulate platelet production. Asplenia (absence of a spleen) or hyposplenism (reduced splenic function) leads to higher platelet counts since the spleen normally removes aging platelets.
Some key points to consider when evaluating elevated platelet counts include:
- Iron deficiency anemia as a potential cause of thrombocytosis
- Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, which can elevate platelet counts
- Recent surgery, trauma, or infection as potential causes of reactive thrombocytosis
- Certain medications, such as epinephrine, vincristine, or all-trans retinoic acid, which can stimulate platelet production
- Asplenia or hyposplenism as a potential cause of elevated platelet counts
According to a study published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine 1, the discordant pattern of high ESR and normal CRP values was associated with greater age, whereas the pattern of high CRP and normal ESR was associated with higher BMI. However, this study does not directly address the causes of elevated platelet counts.
In clinical practice, it is essential to consider the potential causes of thrombocytosis and to evaluate patients accordingly. If platelet counts are persistently elevated, consultation with a hematologist is recommended for proper diagnosis and management, as treatment depends on the underlying cause and associated risk factors.