Human blood contains different kinds of cells. Each cell has different tasks to fulfill. Platelets, also called PLT, also contribute to the transformation of blood into clots. If the normal level of platelets in the blood is higher than 450 thousand, it is called high PLT. Medical methods are generally used in treatment.
Platelets are a type of blood cell, also called blood platelets or platelets. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow. They take serious responsibility for the progression of different chemical reactions in the blood. In cases such as blood clotting, healing of vascular damage and healing of wounds, platelets change in different ways and make it possible to repair the trauma immediately. This prevents blood loss and provides the necessary environment for the repair of damaged structures.
Plt Height
In the case of an elevated platelet ratio or thrombocytosis, the opposite of the conditions that cause platelet deficiency are observed. Therefore, one of the following conditions is likely to be present;
Increased platelet production: In particular, platelet production is increased by elevated levels of hormones and chemicals involved in the regulation of blood cells, or in different bone marrow tumors.
Decrease in platelet destruction: In cases such as removal of the spleen, the main site of platelet destruction, platelets last longer and their amount in the blood increases.
Conversion of blood to concentrated form: If the fluid level of the blood decreases, the platelet count on the complete blood count chart may be elevated. The level of thrombocytosis can be seen in people with good health, but it can also be a harbinger of different health problems. We can list the causes of high platelet levels as follows;
Physiological overproduction: Different genetic factors increase the platelet rate in some people.
Iron (FE) deficiency: As the decrease in the amount of iron results in a decrease in the proportion of red blood cells in the bone marrow, the platelet level increases due to increased hormones to accelerate production.
Bleeding: In ongoing bleeding in the body, production continues at a rapid rate as red blood cells are depleted. As a result, the platelet ratio also increases in this case.
Chronic disorders: In chronic diseases with a rheumatologic basis (inflammatory bowel disorders, inflammatory rheumatism, etc.), the platelet rate may be elevated.
Low platelets
Low platelets can develop due to many different disorders. It can also occur in disorders that are directly related to platelets. Therefore, a decrease in platelet ratio can be experienced through two mechanisms. There are different health problems under the low level of platelets in the blood. In cases such as low platelet production, excessive platelet destruction, less than normal blood flow, the number of platelets in the unit blood decreases. Some medications, eating patterns or some treatments used with some disorders can be effective in lowering the platelet count.
Why is Plt Low?
If the platelet (plt) number is below normal, the blood vessels become prone to injury and bleeding, and in cases such as injury, there is intense blood loss, the wound is delayed and the blood clotting time is prolonged. We can list the causes of low Plt as follows;
Decrease in platelet production: Platelets are produced in the bone marrow in the form of megakaryocytes. The production of platelets in the form of different blood cells can be regulated by the control of different hormones and biochemical structures. Therefore, if there is a problem in the bone marrow, if there is pressure on platelet production in the bone marrow or if the ratio of regulatory hormones and structures decreases, platelet production is also damaged and the platelet ratio decreases.
Increased platelet destruction: Platelets, like other blood cells, age and lose their function. They are destroyed and new ones are produced in many body structures, such as the spleen. In different disorders, this destruction of platelets progresses or they are destroyed directly in the blood or in the tissues. Thus, the number of platelets decreases.
Blood dilution When the complete blood count calculates the proportion of cells in relation to the blood fluid, the platelet ratio in the normal number is found to be low as the amount of fluid in the blood increases. We can list the causes of low platelets as follows;
Vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency: The production mechanism of the blood cell is disrupted, and a decrease in the platelet ratio is seen with significant anemia.
Pregnancy: The platelet ratio is determined to be low because the blood is diluted with increased fluid level while platelet damage increases.
Side effects of medications: Some pills disrupt platelet production and cause thrombocytopenia.
Previous blood transfusions: Platelets can be destroyed by antibodies developed during transfusion of blood from different donors.
Different viral infectious conditions: Various viral infections such as chickenpox, Epstein Barr virus or AIDS increase the destruction of platelets.
Alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol decreases the platelet count.
Chronic diseases: Chronic diseases of different mechanisms in the body can reduce the platelet ratio.
What are the Symptoms of High Platelet Ratio?
An elevatedplatelet count generally does not cause any clinical symptoms or complaints. It usually occurs by chance during a routine complete blood count test. In addition, a significantly elevated platelet count can cause the following symptoms;
- Intense headache
- Vision problems
- Fatigue
- Pain and swelling in the hands and feet
- Itching
- Enlargement of the spleen
- Bleeding
Low Plt Treatment
The implementation of a treatment plan for an increase or decrease in the platelet ratio is characterized by a proper diagnosis of the underlying condition. Therefore, a specialized physician will take a detailed history of the disease and perform a physical examination. If necessary, imaging and additional blood tests may then be ordered and the diagnosis determined.
In the case of mild thrombocytopenia, the specialist may not order any additional treatment, but only follow-up. Otherwise, a treatment plan is made to cure the underlying disease. For thrombocytosis, it may be important that the affected person has an ongoing problem and that the underlying condition is identified.
Although it is usually followed up without treatment, in cases of significant platelet increases, medication or methods such as thrombopheresis, the removal of high platelets in the blood, can be applied.
