Platelets are elevated in children. Causes of an increase in platelets in the blood of a child

Platelets are called blood cells in the form of round plates that do not have nuclei. Both an increase in their number in the bloodstream and a reduced number of platelets are dangerous for the health of the child. For this reason, parents should know what these blood cells are, how many of them should be normal, and why the number of platelets may change.

What are they needed for?

These blood cells play an important role in the blood coagulation system.

Thanks to them, if the blood vessels are damaged, the bleeding stops, and the site of damage itself is closed by a thrombus. In addition, platelets carry various biologically active compounds, immune complexes, and coagulation factors on their surface.

Platelets are formed in the red bone marrow, and after entering the bloodstream, their lifespan is from two to ten days, after which the platelets are transferred to the spleen, where they are destroyed. At this time, new cells continuously enter the bloodstream. Thus, platelets are constantly updated, and their total number remains approximately at the same level.

How is the platelet count determined?

Evaluation of the number of platelets is carried out according to a clinical blood test. All doctors call this study the most important in childhood. To conduct it, blood from a child can be taken from a finger, as well as from a vein. For the smallest children, blood sampling can be performed from the heel. Platelets are counted in a liter of blood, denoting them in the analysis form at 10 9 /l.

A blood test may be scheduled for a child, even if he does not have any complaints.

An unscheduled referral for analysis is given to children who develop bleeding gums, episodes of nosebleeds, prolonged bleeding after a cut, frequent bruising, complaints of fatigue, pain in the limbs and other ailments.

Also, platelets must be checked for anemia, enlarged spleen, leukemia, viral infections, systemic and other diseases that can provoke a change in the number of these blood cells.

What affects their number?

The number of platelets depends on:

• The age of the child. Newborns have more of them than infants older than a month and older children.
• The presence of diseases as well as taking medications.
• Physical activity. For some time after it, the number of platelets becomes higher.
• Child nutrition. There are foods that can thin the blood, and some foods stimulate the formation of blood cells.
• The time of day, as well as the time of year. During the day, fluctuations in the number of platelets within 10% are observed.

In order for the result of a blood test to be reliable, and the number of platelets in the analysis form to correspond to the real number of cells in the blood, it is important to follow these recommendations:

• The child should not eat food before blood sampling. If a blood sample is taken from an infant, the interval between feeding and manipulation should be 2 hours.
• Before the analysis, the child should not have emotional or physical stress. It is also important to choose the right clothes for the child in order to avoid hypothermia. It is also not recommended to donate blood immediately after the child entered the clinic from the street. Let him rest for 10-15 minutes in the corridor and calm down.
• If the child is already undergoing any treatment, be sure to tell the doctor before donating blood that you are taking medication, as they can affect the overall picture.

Table by age

The norm of the level of platelets in children is represented by the following indicators:

Why the level of platelets in the blood can decrease, see the following video.

How can platelet counts change?

If a child has an increase in the number of platelets by 20-30 x 109 / l and above, this is called thrombocytosis.

With a decrease in the number of such blood cells less than 100 x 109/l, it is diagnosed thrombocytopenia.

The main facts about the increased and reduced number of platelets in the blood of a child are presented in the table:

thrombocytosis	Thrombocytopenia
Why does How does it manifest
Feeling of heaviness and swelling of the limbs sore fingers Itchy skin Weakness Bluish tint of the lips and skin of the extremities Cool feet and hands dizziness Intermittent bleeding from the nose	Frequent bruising from minor injuries Prolonged bleeding after a cut Red dots, grids or stars on the skin Nosebleeds Headache Bleeding gums Pink shade of urine Long periods in teenagers Blood in vomit or feces
What danger does
The appearance of blood clots in the vessels, which disrupts the blood supply to internal organs, including the brain and heart.	Deterioration of blood clotting, resulting in prolonged external and internal bleeding and hemorrhage.
How are they treated
Depending on the cause of the disease, cytostatics, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, drugs to improve microcirculation, and other groups of drugs may be prescribed. In severe cases, plateletpheresis is performed. Also, the child is recommended to give more drink so that the blood thins.	Depending on the cause, corticosteroids, immunoglobulins, vitamin preparations and other agents are prescribed. If indicated, removal of the spleen or transfusion of platelets is possible. Also, the child is advised to limit physical activity to reduce the risk of bruising and bleeding.
thrombocytosis	Thrombocytopenia
Dairy Seafood lean meat cereals sour berries Lemons Tomato juice Beet Ginger Linseed oil Garlic	Buckwheat grain Cabbage Apples Olive oil nuts Bananas Carrot Parsley Rose hip Liver
What foods to avoid
Walnuts Pomegranate Rose hip Lentils Bananas Rose hip Mango	Cranberry Tomato juice sea ​​kale Watermelon cucumbers Red grapes

For more information about the clinical blood test, see the program of Dr. Komarovsky.

Hematologist

Higher education:

Hematologist

Samara State Medical University (SamSMU, KMI)

Level of education - Specialist
1993-1999

Additional education:

"Hematology"

Russian Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education

Thrombocytosis in children is a disease accompanied by an increase in the number (relative to the norm for children) of platelets in the blood - the cells responsible for its clotting, that is, stopping bleeding. Thrombocytosis contributes to the development of chronic venous insufficiency, acute infectious diseases and oncological diseases of the blood, threatens the formation of blood clots and blockage of blood vessels.

The norm of platelets in children

Normal platelet counts are a sign of good health, indicating the ability of the blood to clot rapidly to ensure successful wound healing and internal bleeding. When a vessel is damaged, platelets literally stick together with the vascular wall that has lost its integrity. This forms a clot that prevents blood loss.

The life cycle of platelets averages about seven days. In the human body, hematopoiesis constantly occurs: the destruction of old platelets in the spleen, liver, lungs and the formation of new ones in the red bone marrow.

The normal platelet count changes with age:

• 100-420 thousand for babies up to 10-14 days old;
• 150-350 thousand - from 15 days to one year;
• 180-320 thousand - in children older than one year and adults.

In adolescent girls, in the first days of the menstrual cycle, the platelet count can drop to 75-220 thousand.

Causes of the disease

The factors that cause thrombocytosis are of a different nature. In the vast majority of cases, this is a symptom of a more serious pathology.

Primary thrombocytosis is provoked by tumor processes in the hematopoietic system. Children have leukemia. Clonal thrombocytosis is the most dangerous type, a subspecies of the primary. It develops as a result of a tumor lesion of hematopoietic stem cells, in which there is an uncontrolled production of defective platelets that are unable to cope with their main function - to clot the blood.

Symptoms of thrombocytosis

It is very difficult to guess by some external signs that the level of platelets is elevated. Usually, the deviation of indicators from the standard is detected only during a routine medical examination. They check the level of platelets in children quite often, especially in cases where bleeding from the nose and gums is regularly observed, bruises and bruises on the body suspiciously often appear, and wounds on the skin heal slowly. However, these are all signs of a reduced platelet count.

Thrombocytosis should be suspected by complaints of a small patient about dizziness and weakness, frequent swelling, itching, pain at the site of swelling.

• B12 deficiency anemia and iron deficiency anemia;
• lymphogranulomatosis;
• leukemia;
• autoimmune diseases;
• enlargement of the spleen;
• viral infections.

If adults observe obvious signs of a disease in a baby in the form of a blood clot in some part of the body, this means that the disease has already started, complications have arisen and the child needs urgent medical help. If a blood clot forms in the inferior vena cava, the baby's legs will ache and swell. A thrombus in the superior vena cava causes swelling of the neck, head, upper sternum, in the peripheral arteries - numbness and discoloration of the skin, lack of pulse when palpated with fingers. Thrombosis of the pulmonary artery causes hypertension, cerebral artery - convulsions and apnea, renal artery - signs of renal failure.

Diagnostics

The first step is a general blood test and a coagulogram. Coagulogram parameters are evaluated to determine the degree of risk of developing hypercoagulability - excessive blood clotting and the threat of blood clots.

For analysis, they can take capillary blood from a finger on a hand or venous blood for a wider study. In a baby - from a toe or from a heel. It is necessary to take tests on an empty stomach. It is advisable to carry out the procedure in the morning, after an eight-twelve-hour overnight fasting period . Drinking is not prohibited. In infants, blood is taken before feeding or two hours later.

Before taking blood, it is necessary to exclude the influence of emotional upheavals, physical exertion, and hypothermia of the body. These factors can distort the resulting data. Also, the level of platelets is affected by the intake of certain medications: corticosteroids, antibiotics.

The results of the blood test are usually ready on the same day. If necessary, they can be provided even urgently. To confirm the reliability of the results obtained, the examination is carried out three times with breaks of about four days. Blood clotting is checked for longer: up to two days or more with a high workload of medical personnel and the need to transport biomaterials.

To make a diagnosis, the doctor compares the data obtained after the laboratory analysis with the clinical picture and observations of the patient's condition. If necessary, patients are sent for a consultation with a surgeon and a cardiologist, additional studies may be prescribed:

• angiography to study the state of blood flow, blood vessels, violations of their patency;
• ultrasound examination of arteries and veins to detect a possible blood clot, its size and mobility;
• phlebography (X-ray examination) to determine the exact location of the blood clot;
• x-ray of the lungs in the presence of complications (thromboembolism of the pulmonary artery).

To establish the cause that caused the disease, you need to go through a number of procedures:

• blood test for C-reactive protein;
• serum ferritin and iron levels;
• Analysis of urine;
• study of the bone marrow;
• ultrasound scanning of internal organs.

Treatment

If the results of the blood test indicate a high platelet count, you should seek the advice of a pediatrician and a hematologist. If thrombocytosis is diagnosed reactive nature, first of all it is necessary to treat The child has primary disease that provoked the syndrome. This should be done by a specialist of the appropriate profile: oncologist, infectious disease specialist, nephrologist, traumatologist.

Reactive thrombocytosis is generally well tolerated by children. To achieve a decrease in platelet levels, medications or surgery are prescribed. The following medications are prescribed:

• direct-acting anticoagulants (in the form of injections), which inhibit the activity of thrombin, an enzyme that promotes blood clotting;
• oral anticoagulants of indirect action in the form of tablets that prevent the formation of prothrombin in the liver;
• thrombolytics aimed at dissolving blood clots;
• fibrinolytics, the action of which is aimed at resorption of fresh blood clots;
• antiplatelet agents that reduce the adhesion of platelets, and in this way suppress the formation of blood clots.

In an extreme situation, when there is no effect from drug therapy, and the resulting thrombus is life-threatening, endovascular thrombectomy is used: the thrombus is surgically removed, preserving the vessel itself.

Prevention

To prevent the formation of thrombocytosis, early activation of the patient, directed activation of blood circulation and return of muscle tone are indicated after injuries and operations. Also needed: regular physical activity of healthy children and rational nutrition.

The diet for thrombocytosis involves an increase in the diet of products that contribute to blood thinning and the exclusion of those that thicken it.

Thin the blood	thicken the blood
berries: cranberries, raspberries, currants, sea buckthorn, strawberries, blueberries	goodies and sweets
oils: linseed, olive, sea buckthorn	animal fats
seasonings: ginger, garlic, cinnamon, mint, bay leaf	canned and smoked foods
vegetables: beets, sauerkraut, pickles, sweet peppers	fruits and berries: bananas, mangoes, mountain ash, wild rose
fruits: lemon, oranges, tangerines, apples	vegetables: potatoes
honey	walnuts
	lentils, buckwheat
	carbonated drinks

For babies, breastfeeding is optimal.

White willow bark, yellow sweet clover, horse chestnut and many other plants have thinning properties. However, medicinal herbs have a rather strong effect, so you should not use them without consulting your doctor.

Monitoring the well-being of the baby and timely examination will help diagnose the disease in the early stages and prevent the development of complications.

Content

At birth, each child undergoes a general blood test that determines his group, Rh factor, the number of red blood cells, their ESR (sedimentation rate), white blood cells, platelets (plt). This standard procedure allows you to determine the general state of the child's internal systems. Sometimes an increased content of platelets in the blood is determined.

What does it mean if elevated platelets in the blood of a child

This indicates a predisposition in the child to the development of a disease called thrombocytosis. If the level of these blood cells is low (deficiency), then the child probably has thrombocytopenia. In both cases, this indicates the possible development of more serious pathologies. Thrombocytosis is divided into:

• primary;
• clonal;
• secondary.

Primary thrombocytemia is characterized by the growth of certain areas of the red bone marrow, which leads to increased production of blood platelets. The root cause of such thrombocytosis is congenital or acquired diseases (erythremia, myeloid leukemia). With a clonal form of the disease, a defect in stem cells due to a tumor process is determined: this leads to an uncontrolled increase in the formation of platelets.

Mean platelet volume increased

There are two similar definitions that carry a different semantic load. If they say that platelets have a high volume, we are talking about their appearance. When the average volume of platelets is increased, then their number is implied. However, both formulations are interconnected. An increased level of platelets in the blood in children is considered the norm, because their circulatory system is not yet well established.

Secondary thrombocytosis

In the case of the development of secondary thrombocytosis, the number of blood cells does not increase so clearly. In rare cases, a value of more than a million in 1 μl is recorded, while the function and morphology of platelets are not impaired. Secondary thrombocytosis can have different development mechanisms:

1. After removal of the spleen, old blood cells (or obsolete ones) do not have time to collapse, and new ones form in the same volumes. In addition, the spleen produces antiplatelet antibodies (a humoral factor that is designed to reduce production).
2. Thrombocrit rises during the inflammatory process.
3. Biologically active substances that have a stimulating effect on the formation of platelets increase in malignant tumor diseases.
4. Elevated platelet count is observed with frequent recurring blood loss.

After illness

A lot of platelets in the blood can be after an illness. Thrombocytosis develops after or during the following diseases:

• ulcerative colitis;
• tuberculosis;
• acute, chronic infections;
• rheumatism in the active phase;
• cirrhosis of the liver;
• acute blood loss;
• malignant diseases;
• hemolytic anemia;
• osteomyelitis.

Treatment of thrombocytosis in children

When a child has a lot of platelets in the blood in childhood, this becomes the reason for monitoring the indicator. It is necessary to take a blood test regularly so that the doctor can see the dynamics of the content of platelets. When making a diagnosis of thrombocytosis, it is necessary that the doctor prescribe medication. The duration of the course, the dosage depends on the condition of the child, is prescribed individually by the doctor. If a child has elevated platelets, the following remedies may be prescribed:

1. Myelobromol, Mielosan. They are prescribed for a long time until a result is obtained to reduce platelets in the primary type of disease.
2. To reduce the rate of blood cells, use Aspirin, Trental, which improve microcirculation. The first drug can be used only in the absence of erosive changes in the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Clobidogrel, Ticlopidin. They are prescribed for the clonal form of the disease, have an antiplatelet effect. The dosage is always assigned individually.
4. Bivalirudin, Heparin, Livarudin, Argotoban belong to the group of anticoagulants that help with ischemic manifestations, thrombosis.

At the initial stage of the disease and for its prevention, you can use folk remedies: they will help reduce the number of platelets, improve the well-being of the child. A symptom that he has elevated platelets can be pain in the fingertips, severe itching, frequent headaches, anemia, and rapid pulse. For example, you can prepare such folk medicines:

1. From the skin of a chestnut. It will take 50 g of green horse chestnut peel. Fill with vodka - 500 ml. A glass jar is well suited for cooking. Close the lid, leave for 12 days in a place without access to sunlight. Strain the tincture and drink 40 drops before meals 3 times a day, diluted with water. You can sweeten the infusion with honey or sugar. Course - 21 days. The interval between re-treatment is at least 1 week.
2. Thorn and dandelion. Mix equal amounts of sloe blossom and dandelion herb. You need 2 tablespoons of the mixture pour 400 ml of boiling water. Leave the remedy to infuse for 4 hours. Next, you should strain it, drink throughout the day for 4 doses. The course of admission is 2 weeks, during which there should be no meat in the diet. It can be done 2 times a year.

How many platelets should be in a blood test

After passing the analysis, the doctor makes a transcript of the results, but every parent wants to know what is the norm. The platelet count (plt) is different at different ages, so do not be afraid if the child has slightly elevated platelets. It should be remembered that in children up to a month old, the indicator may deviate, because the circulatory system has not yet adjusted its work, this is not a reason to panic. The following indicators are considered normal:

• content from 100 to 420 thousand is normal for newborns;
• 150-350 thousand should be in children after 10 days to 1 year;
• 180-320 thousand in babies older than a year;
• 75-220 thousand is the norm for adolescence.

Foods that increase the number of platelets in the blood

One way to lower platelets in the blood is by following a diet. If a child has greatly increased platelets, the diet should contain foods that help thin the blood, do not provoke its thickening. Even a child with an analysis with elevated platelets should have the correct drinking regimen: the less fluid in the body, the higher the concentration of platelets. You can drink not only water, but also fresh fruits, vegetables, green tea. Here is a table of prohibited foods at elevated rates:

	Products
	cocoa, coffee
	Beets, potatoes, carrots, boiled cabbage, legumes
	Peach, apple, banana
	Pork, chicken, veal liver, turkey, fried chicken
Dairy products	Anything above 1% fat
	Dried, fresh mushrooms
Seafood	Fatty fish varieties

Attention! The information provided in the article is for informational purposes only. The materials of the article do not call for self-treatment. Only a qualified doctor can make a diagnosis and give recommendations for treatment, based on the individual characteristics of a particular patient.

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Platelets are the smallest elements that make up the cellular composition of the blood. They are also called platelets because these cells do not have nuclei. The main function of platelets is to participate in the process of blood clotting.

Normally, in the human body there is a balance between the coagulation and anticoagulation systems. It is also supported by platelets. However, when the need arises (for example, the vessel wall is damaged), these cells become activated and begin to stick together and form a clot - a blood clot that covers the existing defect and prevents the development of severe bleeding.

The norm of platelets in children

The level of platelets contained in the blood serum is determined by a special formula. The number of cells contained in 1 milliliter cubic is calculated so that it is convenient to record and analyze data.

The child's body has one characteristic feature. Unlike adults, they do not have a single, constant norm for a particular blood indicator. Similarly, platelet levels can change significantly with a child's age, and this is considered a physiological process. The normal value of platelets in age:

1. Up to 10 days - approximately 100-400 thousand;

2. Up to 1 year - 150-400 thousand;

3. From 1 year to adolescence - 180-300 thousand;

4. From 13-14 years old - 80-200 thousand.

If these rates are too high, then it is worth suspecting the presence of thrombocytosis in a child and taking him to the hospital.

Rules for donating blood for analysis

During the study, blood is taken either from a vein of the forearm or from a finger. If the child is less than 10 days old (newborn), then the analysis is usually taken from their heels or toes.

Specific preparation for the study is not required, however, there are still a number of rules that should be followed in order not to get a false positive analysis:

1. It is necessary to come to the procedure in the morning, on an empty stomach;

2. If the child is very small, then you need to take him for analysis either 2 hours after feeding, or immediately before the next feeding;

3. It is necessary to limit the physical activity of the child, since intense exercise can lead to changes in the composition of the blood;

4. Remove from use some drugs that affect the level of platelets (antibiotics, glucocorticosteroids);

5. Take the test several times (preferably 3) with a break of 4-5 days to make sure the result is reliable.

The results of the analysis are prepared for a very short time, usually they can be picked up on the same day. If necessary, laboratory assistants can carry out the calculation in a shorter time.

The reason for the test is such undesirable symptoms as:

• Constant bleeding gums;
• Frequent nosebleeds;
• Bruises on the body that appear for unknown reasons;
• Constant numbness of hands and feet;
• Dizziness and weakness.

If the child constantly complains about the presence of these signs, then it is worth taking him to the doctor.

Causes of increased platelets in a child

As already mentioned, an increase in platelets in the blood serum of a child is called thrombocytosis. It can be caused by a malfunction in the immune system, as well as be a symptom of diseases localized in other organs.

Pathologies of the immune system

Thrombocytosis can appear for several reasons:

1. Due to the accelerated formation of platelets in the red bone marrow (in the presence of erythremia);

2. With insufficiently rapid destruction of platelets (due to the removal of the spleen, which normally disables old platelets);

3. Due to an increased release of reserve platelets into the bloodstream (usually observed with prolonged mental or physical stress).

After detecting thrombocytosis, it is very important to establish why it appeared. This is done either by the attending pediatrician or a hematologist - a doctor who specializes in the treatment of blood diseases.

Thrombocytosis can occur in a child of any age - from infancy to adolescence. A slight excess of the physiological norm is usually attributed to the individual characteristics of the child's body, that is, it does not require treatment. With a significant increase in the level of platelets (starting from 800 thousand), the process can be considered pathological.

Doctors distinguish several types of thrombocytosis, which are characteristic of different diseases. Clonal thrombocytosis appears due to a violation in the structure of the cells from which platelets are formed in the bone marrow. Their reaction to hormonal regulation is disrupted, due to which the process of platelet formation gets out of control and is significantly accelerated. Usually this condition is associated with tumor diseases of the bone marrow.

A similar process develops in primary thrombocytosis, however, the mechanism for increasing the number of cells is slightly different here. Increased production of platelets is due to the fact that the bone marrow grows significantly, due to which the tissue in which platelets can form also becomes much larger. Primary thrombocytosis is characteristic of pathologies such as erythremia or myeloid leukemia.

With this form, a sharp jump in indicators is very characteristic. The number of platelets very quickly increases to several million, exceeding normal values ​​by tens of times. A hallmark of thrombocytosis in erythremia is also changes in the morphology of the cells themselves. Platelets become very large, their shape changes.

The last type of pathological process is secondary thrombocytosis. It can develop for the following reasons:

• After surgery to remove the spleen due to insufficient destruction of platelets;
• With an active inflammatory process;
• With repeated frequent bleeding.

In this case, the appearance of thrombocytosis is associated with the body's desire to compensate for the natural loss of platelets that develop during pathological processes.

Thrombocytosis in General Diseases

Thrombocytosis can be caused by diseases that have nothing to do with the immune system. Then this condition is called secondary thrombocythemia and is considered an additional symptom in the clinical picture of the pathology.

Platelets rise when:

1. Anemia (hemolytic, iron deficiency);

2. Tuberculosis in active form;

3. Rheumatic disease;

4. Osteomyelitis;

5. Colitis (inflammation of the colon);

6. Chronic infections affecting the body;

7. Severe surgical interventions;

8. Sharp, rapid loss of blood;

9. Cirrhotic liver damage;

10. Fracture of bones containing bone marrow;

11. Tumors;

12. Amyloidosis.

Secondary thrombocythemia is characterized by a slight increase in the rate, very rarely it reaches such a high level as with primary thrombocythemia. In addition, with this form, the size and structure of the platelets remain normal, which is also a hallmark.

Diagnostics

If an elevated level of platelets in the blood serum of a child is detected, it is recommended to take him for a general examination, since this symptom may indicate the presence of a serious illness in the body. Usually, an increase in the number of platelets is not the only sign of the disease; the patient has the entire clinical picture characteristic of this disease.

However, in some cases it is quite difficult to determine what the child is sick with. To do this, it is necessary to carry out a number of additional analyzes, which include:

• Determination of the level of iron and ferritin protein in the blood serum (test for anemia);
• Determination of the content of acute phase proteins (seromucoid, C-reactive protein);
• Coagulogram (analysis showing the activity of the blood coagulation system);
• Ultrasound examination of the abdomen and pelvis.

If necessary, the child is assigned a consultation of a specialized doctor - a hematologist. He deals with the treatment of blood diseases. This doctor may prescribe a bone marrow examination - a puncture. This is a rather painful procedure for a child, so it is carried out strictly according to indications.

Based on the studies performed, the doctor can determine which disease the patient is suffering from. After that, a specific treatment is prescribed.

Thus, thrombocytosis is an important pathological process that affects the state of the blood system, in particular, changes in the number of platelets. Its appearance can be a symptom of many diseases, therefore, if a child has changes in the tests, it is necessary to take him to a doctor for examination.

Before proceeding with the decoding of the analysis, it is worth understanding what platelets are. Platelets are platelets, the smallest formed elements of the blood.

The formed elements of blood also include leukocytes and erythrocytes. Together with platelets, they make up the bulk of blood cells.

The functions of platelets are very diverse, but their role in the body is to control the performance of blood vessels by releasing various biological substances. The well-known function of platelets is their participation in the process of blood clotting. In this case, the level of platelets is associated with the formation of bleeding and blood clots.

Normal platelet count in children

Before talking about pathological changes in the composition of the blood, let's dwell on the indicators included in the norm.

In children under 1 year of age, the platelet count is 180 - 400 * 10 * 9 / l, then with age the number will gradually decrease to 160 - 360 * 10 * 9 / l.

Conditions in which platelets are elevated in a child

An increased number of platelets in the blood is called thrombocytosis.

The reasons for their increased level may be:

• enhanced hematopoietic processes in the bone marrow, which leads to a high concentration of platelets in the blood and other uniform elements;
• high platelet count, resulting in a compensatory increase in their number;
• infectious process(tuberculosis);
• taking medicines and others.

A high level of platelets in the blood is dangerous because it leads to thickening of the blood and an increased risk of blood clots. Whether the platelets in the child are increased or not, only the doctor will tell you more precisely.

Low platelets

A few words should be said about the low level of platelets. Low platelet count in the blood. Due to the fact that platelets take part in the processes of blood clotting, their deficiency in the blood can lead to bleeding.

The reason for the low content of platelets in the blood may be, for example, the inhibition of bone marrow hematopoiesis as a result of radiotherapy, or if there are factors that lead to their destruction in the blood. The latter may include autoimmune diseases. There are cases when thrombocytopenia is hereditary, for example, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, Bernard Soulier.

You can tell if your child has platelet problems by the presence of a rash or bruising that quickly develops with any touch.

Analysis to determine the level of platelets in the blood

What tests can be prescribed, including counting the level of platelets in the blood? One of these tests is a general clinical blood test. This is a study of the level of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets together. Depending on the equipment that the laboratory is equipped with, other blood parameters can be determined.

Most often, a hematological analyzer is used for a general clinical blood test. Therefore, there are a number of factors that affect the reliability of the results.

Sometimes, with inadequate or questionable indicators that do not correspond to the clinical picture, a separate study of platelet levels may be prescribed. It is carried out manually, and in this case it is more reliable, as it helps to avoid erroneous instrument readings.

How to properly prepare

One of the important components in preparing for a general blood test is the emotional calm of the mother and child. Blood sampling is stressful and can lead to fluctuations in performance, so it is better to mentally prepare for this.

Blood must be donated on an empty stomach. But in infants, this is difficult to observe, so it is allowed to donate material between feedings.

Also, the hands of the child should not be cold. At low temperatures, capillaries spasm, blood flow slows down, and the procedure can be delayed.

It is important to seat or lay the child in such a way that he is comfortable.

Where to take an analysis for free and for a fee

If you have a compulsory medical insurance policy (mandatory medical insurance), you should conduct a study of the level of platelets in the blood for free. If, for some reason, you do not have the desire or opportunity to visit your medical institution to which you are attached, then you can contact any medical center that provides paid services.

How much does the determination of platelets cost in laboratories in Moscow

Determining the number of platelets during a general clinical blood test in laboratories in Moscow will cost you 250-400 rubles, additional money may be required from you for blood sampling. In order not to be deceived, visit the website of a specific medical center. There is almost always a price list.

You can also optionally request a manual method for counting platelets (according to Fonio). It will cost you somewhere between 200-300 rubles. Some medical centers do not separately conduct a platelet count test manually, only as an additional method. So you have to be ready for this.

Upon receiving the results of the study in their hands, for example, in a paid center, many parents immediately begin to explore the Internet. They check the level of platelets in the blood according to unreliable sources, make a conclusion themselves, and prescribe treatment.

Parents who care about the health of their child will turn to a specialist, for example, a pediatrician or a hematologist, for a decoding of the analysis. If deviations are found, the patient will be referred for additional research methods to clarify the causes.

Conclusion

Summing up, I want to pay attention to the role platelets play in our body - maintaining the integrity of blood vessels. Deviation in one direction or another can lead to serious violations of the circulation of blood flow through the vessels. Therefore, you should not engage in decoding the results on your own, and even more so self-treatment.