Iron Deficiency Increases Platelet Counts in Rats

Background: IBD is associated with thrombocytosis, platelet activation and an increased risk of thromboembolism, which contributes to mortality in this population. It is believed that thrombocytosis is a consequence of the systemic inflammation and triggered by certain cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-11. However, we observed that thrombocytosis comes along with IBD-associated anemia and that platelet counts normalize upon Fe therapy (Gasche et al, DDW 2004). A causal relation of iron deficiency (ID) and thrombocytosis is not well established. This study aimed to examine platelet levels in a rat model of ID. Method…