Thrombocytapheresis (plateletpheresis) may be used in certain patients with thrombocytosis.
Therapeutic thrombocytapheresis may be performed if both of the following are present::
(1) marked thrombocytosis, which may be reactive or related to a myeloproliferative disorder such as essential thrombocythemia
(2) need for rapid reduction in platelet count (need to perform surgery, risk of thrombosis, bleeding, symptomatic secondary to the high platelet count)
The correction in the platelet count associated with apheresis is often of short duration. Many patients requires drug therapy (hydroxyurea, anagrelide, etc) to control long-term platelet production, either short-term (for a reactive process) or long-term (for thromobocythemia).
In addition, an antiplatelet drug such as low dose aspirin may be given if the patient is at increased risk for thrombosis.
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