Why would a baby have a high platelet count?

Especially in children under one year of age, any infection seems capable of triggering a high platelet count. Inflammatory diseases, e.g. Kawasaki disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, are commonly associated with reactive thrombocytosis, as are hypoxia, trauma, blood loss, and malignancy.

When should I worry about a high platelet count in an infant?

Thrombocytosis is mild in 72-86% of children, moderate in about 6-8%, and extreme in 0.5-3%. Consultation with a pediatric hematologist is required if elevation of platelet count persists, is unexplained or symptomatic. In the majority of cases no treatment is necessary, and the patient must be only closely monitored.

What causes elevated platelets?

A high platelet count may be referred to as thrombocytosis. This is usually the result of an existing condition (also called secondary or reactive thrombocytosis), such as: Cancer, most commonly lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or lymphoma.

Is it normal to have a high platelet count in a child?

High platelet count in children should be monitored, but is probably nothing to worry much about. In fact, the increase is common in infants and children where majority of the cases are secondary or benign. Before you panic, wait and see if the platelet count will adjust itself.

How can you tell if your platelets are high?

In a healthy person, there are usually 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood. A high platelet count can be identified through routine blood tests. The occurrence of high platelets is divided into two medical categories: primary thrombocythemia and secondary thrombocytosis.

Can a high platelet count cause blood clots?

However, some people who have high platelets may not experience any other symptoms. In these individuals, high platelets may only be detected through routine blood tests. People with primary thrombocythemia have a higher risk of bleeding and blood clots than those with secondary thrombocytosis.

What happens if your platelet count is over 2 million?

Essential thrombocytosis can be fatal. For children afflicted, the platelet count can reach levels of over 2 million per microliter. The most common symptoms are headache, lightheadedness, vision changes, tingling, numbness, or burning pain in the hands and feet.

What causes high platelet count in children?

One of the several causes for higher platelet count in children is inflammation. Platelets are also known as “acute phase reactants”, which means that they rise in number whenever there is inflammation (like an infection).

What are high platelets a sign of?

While high platelet count can be due to underlying infection, it may also be a sign of a serious bone marrow disorder such as thrombocythemia or primary thrombocytosis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

What is a normal platelet count for a child?

An increase in platelet count is not an unusual occurrence in young children. A normal platelet level ranges between 150,000 to 450,000 for every microliter of blood.

What causes high platelet count?

The possible causes of high platelet count. When it comes to the causes of high platelet count, in some cases it can be some underlying condition, such as inflammation, infection, surgery or injury, or, in the worst cases, this condition can be caused by some disease of the blood or bone marrow, such as anemia or cancer.