Essential thrombocythemia is often associated with what risk?

Essential thrombocythemia is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized by the overproduction of platelets due to mutations, most commonly in the JAK2 gene. One of the significant complications associated with this condition is an increased risk of both thrombosis and bleeding.

The elevation in platelet count can lead to a hypercoagulable state, causing the blood to clot more easily than normal. This predisposes individuals to thrombotic events such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, strokes, and myocardial infarction. Conversely, despite having a high platelet count, these patients can also experience bleeding complications. This paradox may be due to qualitative platelet dysfunction, where the platelets are present in large numbers but do not function properly, leading to impaired hemostasis.

Consequently, individuals with essential thrombocythemia have an increased risk of both thrombotic and bleeding events, making awareness and management of these risks crucial for patient care. This dual risk profile is fundamental to understanding the pathophysiology and clinical implications of essential thrombocythemia.