Shamsunisha Yusuff/LinkedIn

Jun 8, 2026, 03:05

Shamsunisha Yusuff: Iron Down, Platelets Up in a Young CBC ?

Shamsunisha Yusuff, Resident Doctor at Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU), shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Iron down, platelets up in a young CBC ? – NOT a bone marrow disorder alreadyy!

Hb: 8 g/dL
MCV: 68 fL
Ferritin: Low
Platelets: 550,000/μL [ Normal: ~150,000–450,000/μL ]

Ft. A CBC that screams Microcytic anemia but also whispers Iron-Deficiency Anemia, yet hints a concern about the platelet count.

Welcome to learning a new term, today : ‘ Reactive Thrombosis ‘

Why Does It Happen?

A 3-way door :

1. Bone marrow stimulation :

Iron deficiency triggers increased hematopoietic activity in the bone marrow.
The same marrow that makes RBCs also makes platelets, so platelet production may increase.

2. Shared growth factors

Cytokines and growth factors involved in blood cell production may indirectly stimulate megakaryocytes (platelet-producing cells).

3. Compensatory response

Chronic blood loss (such as heavy menstrual bleeding) can lead to both iron deficiency and a reactive increase in platelets.

next time u see higher platelets in a young CBC , calm down Zendaya, take a quick check at anemia , revise today!”

Shamsunisha Yusuff

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