Ulcerative colitis and thrombocytosis: Case report and literature review

Medicine (Baltimore). 2023 May 19;102(20):e33784. doi: 10.1097/MD.0000000000033784.

Abstract

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology, sometimes associated with anemia and thrombocytosis. Platelets (PLTs) play a role in amplifying inflammatory and immune responses in chronic inflammation. This study discusses the diagnosis and treatment of a case of UC combined with secondary thrombocytosis and reviews the relevant literature. We report an interaction between thrombocytosis and UC to raise clinicians' awareness of this condition.

Patient concerns: In the current report, we discuss the case of a 30-year-old female patient who presented with frequent diarrhea and thrombocytosis.

Diagnosis: Severe UC combined with intestinal infection was diagnosed based on colonoscopy and intestinal biopsy. The patient had a PLT count >450 × 109/L and was diagnosed with reactive thrombocytosis.

Interventions and outcomes: The patient was discharged from the hospital in remission after receiving vedolizumab and anticoagulant treatment.

Lessons: In patients with severe UC with thrombocytosis, clinicians should pay attention to PLTs promoting inflammatory progression, as well as screening for venous thromboembolism risk and prophylactic anti-venous thromboembolism therapy at the time of dosing to avoid adverse effects.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Blood Platelets / pathology
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / complications
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / diagnosis
  • Colitis, Ulcerative* / pathology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / complications
  • Thrombocytosis* / complications
  • Thromboembolism* / complications