increasing platelets

[ajkalways]

For two lab tests taken a month apart, my platelets have increased from 425 to 480. In the first test I was told to take iron supplements because I was in the anemic range. In the second my rbc count and everything but my platelets was fine. Even if I'm no longer anemic, could that previous anemia cause the increase in platelets? What other conditions can cause high platelets?

[ajkalways]

And a lupus anticoagulant test. Should have results in the next week or so

[ajkalways]

Thank you so much for your detailed response. :). My doctor ordered a Jak 2 test to rule out some things and I actually found out that my platelets have been high for quite some time.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi!
A variation from 425 to 480 cannot be really considered a clinical increase. This is because these difference do crop up between two tests.
However, for your information, platelets can increase in dehydration or it can be an incidental finding. If it remains persistently high, then it can be an inflammatory condition like rheumatoid arthritis. It is also increased in some bone marrow disorders like myeloproliferative disorders (polycythemia vera, essential thrombocytosis, idiopathic myelofibrosis and chronic myeloid leukemia). All known causes like myeloproliferative disorders of bone marrow, essential thrombocytosis, chronic myeloid leukemia, rheumatoid arthritis etc have to be looked into, and bone marrow biopsy performed. If these are ruled out then other rare causes need to be looked into. One is an absent spleen or a poor functioning spleen. A rare condition known as Kawasaki's disease, which occurs as a result of inflammation of the arteries is another possibility.
Do discuss this with your doctor. Take care!