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Essential thrombocythaemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm causing persistently high platelets and a risk of thrombosis or bleeding.
Quick Answer
Essential thrombocythaemia is a myeloproliferative neoplasm causing persistently high platelets and a risk of thrombosis or bleeding. Dr. Sachita Baniya (NMC 20158, 8+ years of clinical experience in haematology and haemato-oncology) evaluates essential thrombocythaemia at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
ET is driven by JAK2, CALR or MPL mutations in most patients. It may cause headache, visual symptoms, burning feet or bleeding. Management depends on thrombosis risk and platelet count.
Diagnosis requires persistent thrombocytosis, marrow findings and mutation testing. Reactive causes such as infection, iron deficiency and inflammation must be excluded.
Low-risk patients may receive aspirin or observation. Cytoreduction with hydroxyurea, anagrelide or interferon is used for high-risk disease. Platelet count alone does not determine treatment.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
Control cardiovascular risk factors and avoid smoking. Adherence to aspirin or cytoreduction reduces complications.
Red flags — seek urgent care
No. Reactive thrombocytosis from infection, inflammation, iron deficiency or surgery is common. ET requires persistent thrombocytosis with marrow and mutation evidence.
Treatment depends on thrombosis risk, age, mutation status and symptoms. Low-risk patients may be observed or receive aspirin.
Yes, paradoxically. Very high platelet counts can impair von Willebrand factor and cause bleeding, especially at extreme levels.
Most cases are acquired. Familial thrombocytosis is rare but should be considered in young patients with a strong family history.
It can progress to myelofibrosis or, rarely, acute leukemia. Regular monitoring is important.
The target is individualised. Cytoreduction aims to reduce thrombosis and bleeding risk rather than normalise the count in every patient.
Yes, but pregnancy requires specialist planning because of thrombosis and bleeding risks. Treatment is individualised.
Regular blood counts, clinical review and cardiovascular risk assessment. Bone marrow examination is repeated if progression is suspected.
Specialist assessment for abnormal blood counts, anaemia, low platelets, bleeding, clotting and suspected blood disorders.
Care for polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia and primary myelofibrosis.
Assessment and management of venous thromboembolism and cancer-associated thrombosis.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms are clonal marrow disorders with overproduction of blood cells and a risk of thrombosis and progression.
Polycythaemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm causing excess red cell production and an increased risk of thrombosis.
Primary myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative neoplasm with marrow fibrosis, splenomegaly and progressive cytopenias.
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Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Sachita Baniya
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist & Clinical Hematologist • MBBS, FCPS (Clinical Haematology) • NMC 20158
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya.
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