Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytosis in children

XU Yu-Ting; HU Qun

doi:10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2408066

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Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics ›› 2025, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (2) : 236-241. DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2408066

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Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytosis in children

XU Yu-Ting, HU Qun

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Abstract

Thrombocytosis is a common condition in children, classified into primary and secondary types. Secondary thrombocytosis is mainly caused by factors such as infection, anemia, iron deficiency, trauma, or surgical intervention, and it typically occurs without severe thrombosis or bleeding events. Platelet counts can return to normal after control of the primary factors, with favorable clinical outcomes. Primary thrombocytosis is mainly caused by myeloproliferative neoplasms such as polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis, often accompanied by gene mutations in hematopoietic cells. In children, clinical manifestations are atypical compared to adults, with few thromboembolic or bleeding events. No special treatment is required for patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms, and it is recommended to regularly monitor platelet counts. Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin can be considered for patients at risk of thrombosis or those with extreme thrombocytosis, and cytoreductive therapy can be performed when necessary, but the toxicities and side effects of drugs should be closely monitored. At present, hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, and anagrelide are commonly used for cytoreductive therapy. This article provides an overview of the etiology, classification, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood thrombocytosis to guide healthcare professionals in treatment decisions.

Key words

Thrombocytosis / Essential thrombocythemia / Thromboembolism / Hydroxyurea / Child

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XU Yu-Ting, HU Qun. Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of thrombocytosis in children[J]. Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics. 2025, 27(2): 236-241 https://doi.org/10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2408066

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