Sarcoidosis

Platelet count post splenectomy 10/03/2006

Question:

I have had a consistant elevated platelet count past a splenectomy 10 months ago. I was diagnosed with sarcoidosis from the pathology of the spleen. Is this to be a persistant problem and is it a condition brought from the splenectomy. My first elevated count was int 900`s 2 months after surgery and did at a time decrease in the 600`s and has been elevated to 700+ for several months since.

Answer:

Dear Sir or Madam-

 

High platelet counts after splenectomy are very common.  If the platelet count remains very high (>800,000) it could present problems with abnormal blood clotting.  If your doctor is concerned about this, the clotting properties of your blood can be tested.

 

Sincerely,

 

Elliott Crouser MD

The Ohio State University Medical Center

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Response by:

Elliott D Crouser, MD Associate Professor of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine College of Medicine The Ohio State University