Dr. J. Nathan Hagstrom, MD, MHCM

An individual with anemia will have the following symptoms: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, cold hands or feet, paleness, and irritability. Anemia is diagnosed when blood tests show low counts for hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to different tissues throughout the body.

Treatments for anemia are dependent on the kind of anemia an individual has. For example, iron supplementation may correct iron deficiency anemia. For anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, chemotherapy treatments, and HIV/AIDS, a group of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed.

Most people with hemophilia have a family history of the disorder, though about 30% do not. The most common forms are hemophilia A (classic hemophilia) and hemophilia B (Christmas disease). Hemophilia A and B share certain characteristics, but different genes are involved. Acquired hemophilia is very rare and has been linked to autoimmune conditions, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

Hemophilia may be diagnosed using a blood test. If there is family history of the disorder, testing may be done prenatally. Treatment involves regular intravenous replacement of clotting factors, which may be produced in a laboratory (recombinant) or come from blood donors. For people with milder forms of the disease, a hormone called desmopressin may stimulate the body to produce clotting factors. Other drug therapies include medications that help slow the breakdown of blood clots and medications that are applied directly to the wound to promote clotting.

Living with hemophilia can be challenging, but simple things may help prevent excessive bleeding. For example, choosing activities like walking or swimming over contact sports can prevent injuries and strengthen muscles while protecting the joints. Chances for bleeding may also be reduced by making sure that children wear helmets and elbow pads during activities like bicycle rides.

If a doctor suspects a patient has thrombocytosis, a complete blood count (CBC) or platelet count test helps determine the concentration of platelets in a person's blood at a given time. Thrombocytosis can be diagnosed by hematologists using advanced tests on platelet samples. Flow cytometry tests detect abnormalities by evaluating the characteristics of a platelet sample using targeted lasers and lights.

Patients with high platelet counts are frequently prescribed a daily dose of over-the-counter medication aspirin to thin the blood. Platelet-lowering medications, such as hydroxyurea and Intron A, may reduce the likelihood of blood clot formation. Excess platelets may also be removed from the blood by a procedure called plateletpheresis or platelet reduction apheresis, where blood is drawn, circulated into a centrifuge that separates the blood components, and returned to the body with some platelets extracted. Plateletpheresis is a rare procedure reserved for patients who have severe clotting.

Patients can also modify their lifestyle to better manage their disorder and minimize complications. Patients with thrombocytosis are advised to drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and to avoid smoking. Many people with thrombocytosis live healthy and fulfilling lives with proper treatment and precautions.