If a patient has life-threatening complications, a procedure to remove platelets directly from the blood (platelet pheresis) can rapidly decrease the platelet count.

Long-term use of medications to decrease the platelet count can reduce both bleeding and clotting complications. The most commonly used medications include hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, or anagrelide. In patients who have a tendency to clot, aspirin may help decrease clotting episodes.

Many patients do not need any treatment. However, the health care provider should monitor their condition.

The outcome varies. Most people go long periods of time without complications and have a normal life expectancy. In a very small minority of patients, complications from hemorrhage and thrombosis lead to death.

• Acute leukemia or myelofibrosis
• Severe hemorrhage
• Thrombotic episodes (stroke, heart attack, or blood clots in the extremities)

Call your health care provider:

• If unexplained or prolonged bleeding occurs
• If chest pain, leg pain, confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms develop