Which hematologic condition is associated with an elevated platelet count?

Which hematologic condition is associated with an elevated platelet count?

• A. Polycythemia Vera
• B. Von Willebrand Disease
• C. Hemophilia A
• D. Glanzmann Thrombasthenia

Answer: (A)

Elevated platelet counts point to disorders where there is overproduction of platelets or megakaryocytes. Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (often with a JAK2 mutation) that can show increased platelets in addition to an increased red cell mass. The other conditions are not associated with thrombocytosis: Von Willebrand disease is a qualitative defect of von Willebrand factor with typically normal platelet counts; Hemophilia A is a factor VIII deficiency with normal platelet counts; Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a platelet function disorder (defect in GPIIb/IIIa) with normal platelet numbers. So the elevated platelet count is most consistent with polycythemia vera.

Elevated platelet counts point to disorders where there is overproduction of platelets or megakaryocytes. Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm (often with a JAK2 mutation) that can show increased platelets in addition to an increased red cell mass. The other conditions are not associated with thrombocytosis: Von Willebrand disease is a qualitative defect of von Willebrand factor with typically normal platelet counts; Hemophilia A is a factor VIII deficiency with normal platelet counts; Glanzmann thrombasthenia is a platelet function disorder (defect in GPIIb/IIIa) with normal platelet numbers. So the elevated platelet count is most consistent with polycythemia vera.