You did a blood test for your child, and the doctor says that his platelets are high. What to do in this case?
Children often take a blood test, there can be many reasons for this. Elevated platelets are one of the pathologies that therapists are constantly faced with. But why does it arise and what should parents do in this case?
What are platelets
Platelets are plates in human blood that do not contain nuclei. In fact, they are fragments of larger cells - megakaryocytes (located in the bone marrow).One platelet lives for about 7-14 days, and the rate of their formation largely depends on the hormonal situation in the child's body.
A person needs platelets to maintain blood viscosity and prevent life-threatening bleeding.
Platelets run through the human body and instantly cover any damage, thus forming a blood clot that eliminates bleeding. In addition, platelets are essential to prevent inflammation.
What is thrombocytosis
Normally, the platelet count in the child's blood should be from 150 109 / l to 450 109 / l. If there are more platelets, then the child is diagnosed with thrombocytosis. Let's see what provokes it.Thrombocytosis is primary and secondary.
Primary is not a symptom of another disease, but secondary, it is also called reactive, signals a pathology in the body.
Elevated platelets in a child: reasons what to do / istockphoto.com
Causes of secondary thrombocytosis in children
We note right away that there are a lot of reasons for thrombocytosis in children, and we will tell you about those that are most common.
1. Past infections
If the child has recently had some kind of infectious disease, then there is no need to worry about thrombocytosis, which manifested itself in the analysis results, the situation will soon return to normal.2. Iron deficiency
A significant deficiency of this substance leads to anemia. The diagnosis is made if the child has decreased hemoglobin, decreased erythrocytes and hemoglobin in erythrocytes with an increased platelet count.
3. Viral infections
... As well as bacterial, fungal and even parasitic.
But this reason can be suspected only if the child has symptoms of such a disease.
4. Inflammatory process
Additional examination is required to detect it.
5. Trauma, surgical intervention
6. Taking certain medications
What is primary thrombocytosis in a child?
Primary thrombocytosis is an independent disease that occurs due to mutations in certain genes. It is inherited, but sometimes acquired at an early age. It is very rare, one child in 10 million.It is possible to suspect primary thrombocytosis if a child is diagnosed with an increased number of platelets for a long time without a reason, as well as in the presence of additional negative factors:
- A close relative has a primary thrombosis,
- The child has a history of unexplained bleeding.
- The child's liver and spleen are enlarged.
The child is assigned additional laboratory tests.
Elevated platelets in a child: reasons what to do / istockphoto.com
Recall
- 5 symptoms of deep vein thrombosis: diagnosis.
- TOP 5 foods that will save you from blood clots: important!
- what tests it makes no sense to take at the gynecologist: do not be fooled.
