Sifat Jubaira: When Low MCV Meets High Platelets
Sifat Jubaira, Lab Medicine Specialist at United Hospital Limited, shared a post on LinkedIn:
”High Platelets (typically quote 450,000/µL) plus Low MCV – Think Iron Deficiency Anemia.
Seen in 30 percent cases of IDA.
Quick CBC pearl:
- Low MCV equals microcytic, smaller RBCs
- High platelets equals reactive thrombocytosis
Why does it happen?
Iron deficiency or chronic blood loss stimulates the bone marrow. Since RBCs and platelets share precursor pathways, platelet production may rise while RBCs become smaller.
Clinical importance:
This pattern strongly supports iron deficiency anemia and helps differentiate it from many other anemias that do not typically present with both microcytosis plus thrombocytosis.
Important differential:
- Reactive (secondary) thrombocytosis – iron deficiency, infection, inflammation
- Primary (clonal) thrombocythemia – myeloproliferative disorders (e.g., JAK2 mutation)
Memory hook: Low MCV plus High Platelets, Think Iron Deficiency First.
References:
- Source: Williams Hematology and Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine.
- Key Concept: ‘Reactive Thrombocytosis in Iron Deficiency Anemia.’ – Dr. Sifat Jubaira MBBS, MPhil, MPH”
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