Treatment:

If a patient has life-threatening complications, a procedure to remove platelets directly from the blood (platelet pheresis) can quickly decrease the platelet count.

Long-term use of medications to decrease the platelet count can reduce both bleeding and clotting complications. The most commonly used medications include hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, or anagrelide.

In patients who are at high risk for clotting (older patients, those with very high platelet levels or who have had past clotting episodes), aspirin at a low dose (81 to 100 mg per day) decreases clotting episodes.

Many patients do not need any treatment. However, the health care provider should monitor their condition.

Expectations (prognosis):

The outcome varies. Most people go long periods of time without complications and have a normal life expectancy. In a very small number of patients, complications from bleeding (hemorrhage) and blood clots (thrombosis) can cause serious problems.

In a small number of patients, the disease will change into acute leukemia or myelofibrosis.

Complications:

• Acute leukemia or myelofibrosis
• Severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Thrombotic episodes (stroke, heart attack, or blood clots in the hands or feet)

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider:

• If unexplained or prolonged bleeding occurs
• If chest pain, leg pain, confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms develop