Approach to Thrombocytosis - Elevated Platelet Count - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm



Peripheral Smear concerning for malignancy?  → Refer to hematology for workup, including BM Bx



Consider reactive thrombocytosis:

 • Nonmalignant hematologic: Acute blood loss, Acute hemolysis, deficiency anemia, Rebound effect from treatment

 • Malignancy: Metastatic cancer, Lymphoma, Rebound effect following use of myelosuppressive agents

 • Inflammatory Conditions: Rheumatologic, Vasculitides, IBD, Celiac disease, Kawasaki, Nephrotic syndrome, POEMS

 • Reaction to Medications: Vincristine, Epinephrine, Glucocorticoids, IL-1B, ATRA, TPO, TPO-RA

 • Infections: Chronic infections, TB, Acute bacterial and viral infections

 • Tissue damage: Thermal burns, Myocardial infarction, Severe trauma, Acute pancreatitis, Post-surgical period

 • Others: Asplenia/post-splenectomy, Exercise, Allergic reactions



Matthew Ho, MD PhD @MatthewHoMD



#Thrombocytosis #Platelets #Differential #Diagnosis #Algorithm #hematology