The evolving role of genetic tests in reproductive medicine

The Cause Of Fever After Platelet Transfusion?

Febrile responses to platelet transfusions are common but some can be life-threatening and the cause of these reactions is largely unknown. In June 23 Lancet, Richard Phipps and colleagues from University of Rochester Cancer Center, Rochester, New York, suggest that these febrile responses could be due to the release of CD40 ligand from the platelets.

Human platelets contain preformed CD40 ligand that can be expelled after activation to initiate the wound healing process. The CD40 ligand is associated with the production of proinflammatory prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), the key inducer of fever in man.

Phipps et al. Randomly assessed 9 preparations of platelets due for transfusion and found that the amounts of CD40 ligand (3000 ng/L to more than 7000 ng/L) was similar to concentrations found in human blood during chronic inflammation (Lancet 2001, 357:2023-2024).

They speculate that keeping the release of CD40 ligand to a minimum, or removing free CD40 ...

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What Is The Normal Platelet Count Range Based On Age?

A typical platelet count range can change with age. Platelet counts may fluctuate due to natural vascular aging, changes in bone marrow tissue, and altered blood plasma makeup.

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are colorless fragments of larger cells called megakaryocytes, commonly found in bone marrow.

The purpose of platelets is to create hemostasis, prevent hemorrhaging, and keep blood inside the vessel walls.

Platelet count is an essential diagnostic tool that measures the number of platelets per blood microliter (mcL). It can help doctors identify potential health complications related to wound healing, bleeding disorders, and blood clotting.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms "male," "female," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.

The general range for adult platelets has been 150,000–450,000 platelets/mcL of blood.

However, a 2022 review suggests platelet counts could change significantly based on a person's age and sex.

Data from a Swiss 2020 study on an aging population found that platelet count by age remained predominantly stable for females and saw an overall decline for males:

It is not clear why platelet ranges change with age, but some reasons may include:

age-related changes in the bone marrow's hematopoietic tissue, which is the tissue in which new blood cells develop

changes in blood plasma composition over time

vascular aging and disease processes

Platelet counts can indicate how the body will respond in blood clotting situations. A person can have too many or too few platelets, and each brings potential health complications.

High platelet count

A high platelet count is not attributed to another health condition in thrombocythemia – also known as primary or essential thrombocythemia.

Reactive or secondary thrombocytosis is a diagnosis when another disease or condition is responsible for a high platelet count.

A high platelet count can create unnecessary blood clots throughout the body, particularly in the hands, brain, and feet.

It may cause bleeding conditions, such as nosebleeds, when unnecessary clots take up resources and insufficient free platelets remain in the bloodstream.

A high platelet count can increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, among other conditions.

Low platelet count

When a person's platelet count is too low, under 150,000/mcL, according to standard guidelines, stopping even minor bleeding in the body may be difficult.

This can create symptoms such as:

prolonged bleeding, even from minor injuries

bruising

red or purple spots on the skin from leaking blood vessels

heavy menstrual bleeding

blood in the urine or stool

bleeding from the nose or gums

environmental exposures

medication

lifestyle habits such as heavy alcohol consumption

another medical condition such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or infections

genetics

What is the platelet count for adults?

The typical platelet count for adults is 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood.

Is 120,000 a low platelet count?

Anything below 150,000 is a low platelet count.

Does platelet count change with age?

Yes, platelet count decreases with age, particularly for males. This is known as thrombocytopenia.

Platelets are essential components of blood clotting and wound healing. When the body experiences bleeding, platelets adhere together to create clots and stop blood loss.

The standard counts have remained at 150,000–450,000 platelets/mcL of blood. However, evidence suggests the typical platelet range may vary based on age and gender.

The reasons behind age-related platelet fluctuations are unclear. However, bone marrow changes, vascular aging, and changes in blood composition over time may all affect how many platelets are in the bloodstream.

Medical Board To Probe Death Of Woman Admitted To Hospital With Typhoid In Gurgaon

Gurgaon: A govt medical board will probe if there was negligence in treating a 22-year-old engineer who died at a private hospital in the city after being admitted there with typhoid.Deepika Singh, a BTech graduate who recently joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in the city, was admitted to the emergency ward of the hospital around noon on Jan 25 with fever and low platelet count. She died early in the morning on Jan 26.Her brother Aditya Singh made three specific allegations – that Deepika was taken into the ICU and put on ventilator "unnecessarily", she was not examined by senior doctors, and the first batch of platelets she got was only at 3am on Jan 26. "Despite her platelet count being 22,000, she wasn't administered platelets till 3am on Jan 26, which worsened her condition. She purportedly experienced internal bleeding, though no explanation was provided. When I questioned the delay in platelet administration, the hospital staff dismissed my concerns, advising me not to rely on 'Google knowledge'," Aditya said in his complaint to the district health department. A member of the board on Friday confirmed that the complaint had been forwarded to it and it will look into allegations of medical negligence.Only if the board concludes that there are indications of negligence can complaints against doctors or hospitals be investigated by police. The board includes the district's chief medical officer, among other doctors.Aditya told TOI that his sister was down with high-fever on Jan 22, and the family took her to a local clinic in Sector 15 for consultation. "Her CBC (complete blood count) indicated typhoid, but she was ambulatory (able to walk). Her condition worsened on Jan 25 and on the local doctor's advice, the family took her to the hospital. The treatment (at the hospital) was inadequate. Instead, they demanded Rs 2 lakh," Aditya said. "She was ambulatory till hospitalisation. The culpable parties should face consequences to prevent similar incidents," he said.Aditya said that after her death, viscera samples were also sent to a govt laboratory for an autopsy. The initial post-mortem report, he said, could not conclude a cause of death and a detailed report is pending. Asked about the case, the hospital said in a statement that it "deeply regrets the passing of Ms. Deepika Singh", who was admitted to the facility in a "very critical condition"."The patient was shifted to ICU and was treated under monitoring by specialist doctors. Despite the best efforts of our experienced doctors and intensive care specialists, her condition continued to deteriorate, and she sadly passed away on Jan 26, 2025. At 7.34am," the hospital said. The statement extended condolences to Deepika's family and added: "While we recognise the family's concerns, we assure that all due procedures were followed in her treatment. We remain fully cooperative with relevant authorities and have also reached out to the family to provide the necessary information and support."The case also came to the attention of Haryana chief minister Nayab Singh Saini after another family member, Pooja, posted about it on X. "Please share your contact number here or email at smgtgrievance@gmail.Com mentioning your contact number and X/Twitter ID," the CM responded to Pooja on the microblogging website."Doctors at the hospital told me about the accumulation of blood in her lungs. We saw a cut on her neck (piper was inserted) and we suspect that bleeding started because of the cut. In the ICU, she received anesthesia and excessive fluids, causing severe swelling in her stomach, and abdomen. No urinary catheter was inserted despite our concerns. Delay in treatment without diagnosis (like they told us) led to her critical situation and eventually she died," her brother said.

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