Abstract

IRON-LACK ANEMIA often develops in patients with thrombocytosis, but the platelet count usually returns toward normal levels with iron repletion.2 As a general rule, however, platelet counts in excess of 1 million per cubic millimeter are associated with primary hematologic disease (eg, a myeloproliferative disorder such as chronic myeloid leukemia or primary thrombocythemia).3 “Reactive” or secondary thrombocytosis is usually associated with a platelet count of less than 1 million.4,6 Conditions such as iron deficiency, acute blood loss, acute infection, or postsplenectomy state are the usual causes of reactive thrombocytosis.5,7 We describe a patient with proven iron-lack anemia associated with a platelet count of 1.6 million which rapidly returned to normal after iron repletion.