Andrew I. Schafer, MD Chair, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia
Address: Andrew I. Schafer, MD, Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 100 Centrex, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; e-mail andrew.schafer@uphs.upenn.edu
Medical Grand Rounds articles are based on edited transcripts from Division of Medicine Grand Rounds presentations at Cleveland Clinic. They are approved by the author but are not peer-reviewed.
ABSTRACTFor most patients, elevated platelet counts are benign and require no treatment, but for some, severe complications or death may ensue. This article discusses how to classify thrombocytosis and identify which patients require treatment, describes the characteristic complications that may arise, and provides an algorithm for management.