Inflammatory Conditions and Medication
Elevated platelet counts can happen as a result of inflammatory disorders [5] in the body. Conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatologic disorders, sarcoidosis and vasculitides
can cause a rise in platelet numbers.
The increase in the number of platelets happens in response to cytokines. Cytokines are small proteins released from the cells that signal other cells into action. They play an important role in the body’s immune system. Cytokines such as thrombopoietin and interleukin-6 particularly trigger this elevation.
The use of certain medication [6], including steroids, can cause an elevation of platelets and induce thrombocytosis. Adrenalin and vinca alkaloid drugs were some of the earliest drugs found to cause this.