Facts about essential thrombocythaemia
What is essential thrombocythaemia (ET)?
ET is a condition where there are too many platelets in the blood. The normal range for platelet count is 150 - 400 x 109/L or 150 - 400 billion platelets per litre of your blood. Platelets are tiny cell fragments which circulate in your blood, and help the blood to clot. When there are too many platelets in your blood, your blood can become ‘sticky’ and you may be at increased risk of suffering from blood clots where you don’t need them, or from excess bleeding. It is possible to use medication to bring down high platelet levels, and this may reduce the risk of problems from blood clots.
What causes ET?
People with ET have an increased number of the cells which make platelets. These cells are called megakaryocytes. Megakaryocytes are made in the bone marrow, which is a spongy material in the centre of some bones. Megakaryocytes make platelets and release them into the bloodstream.
Why did I get ET?
Unfortunately, nobody knows why people with ET make too many megakaryocytes. There may be a genetic cause in some patients, but this is still being researched.
Who is most likely to get ET?
Fewer than 3 people per 100,000 are diagnosed with ET each year. ET affects middle-aged people, who develop it when aged between 40 and 60 years. However, up to one in four patients is aged less than 40 at diagnosis.
In older patients, men are as likely to get ET as women are. However, in younger patients, the disease occurs more often in women.
Can other people catch my ET?
No, essential thrombocythaemia is not contagious.