Thrombosis Risk with High Platelet Counts and Hematocrit Values

Incidental increases in platelet counts and hematocrit values were associated with ischemic stroke and myocardial infarction, respectively.

The increased risk for thrombosis in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, including essential thrombocytosis and polycythemia vera, is well known. However, it is unclear if there is also an increased risk for thrombosis in healthy persons with incidental increases in platelet counts or hematocrit values.

To address this issue, Danish investigators prospectively followed 108,521 individuals (mean age, 58 years) from the Copenhagen General Population Study. Using platelet counts and hematocrit values in the 25th to 75th percentiles as reference, rates of arterial thrombosis in the brain (ischemic stroke), arterial thrombosis in the heart (myocardial infarction), and venous thrombosis were analyzed in patients with extreme values.

Results…

Reviewing Author

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Brady L. Stein, MD, MHS

Disclosures

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Society of Hematology (Senior Editor, ASH Self-Assessment Program; guideline development)

Thrombosis Risk with High Platelet Counts and Hematocrit Values

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Reviewing Author