Introduction:

Quantitative platelet alterations are produced by the increase or decrease in global platelet counts. Platelet count increase or thrombocytosis is produced by redistribution or increased marrow production. Platelet decrease may result from production, redistribution, or shortened survival of circulating platelets.

Objective:

To describe the most significant cytomorphological findings in quantitative platelet alterations.

Methods:

A literature review was carried out, in English and in Spanish, in the database PubMed and with the search engine of Google Scholar, of articles published in the last ten years. An analysis and summary of the revised bibliography was made.

Information analysis and synthesis:

Quantitative platelet alterations are characterized by variations in the number and morphology of these cells. These are associated with congenital or acquired causes, in which detailed anamnesis of patients is an important element in the diagnosis. In thrombocytosis, reactive thrombocytosis must be differentiated from primary marrow disease; while in thrombocytopenia, the ethnic origin of the patients and the morphology of the leukocytes must be considered. Hereditary causes of thrombocytopenia with morphological abnormalities of platelets and granulocytes are numerous.

Conclusions:

Quantitative platelet alterations are a large number of entities with similarities and differences in terms of presentation and clinical manifestations. Laboratory tests are an important tool for diagnosis, prognosis, and follow-up of affected patients.

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