Thrombocytes: the norm in men in the blood

Platelets are non-nuclear cells of spherical shape with a diameter of 2-4 microns (micrometer). These cells, along with leukocytes and platelets, belong to the uniform elements of the blood. They are called blood plates. In the bloodstream, the majority of mature platelets are about 87%, old cells 4.5% and young or immature - 3.2%. The period of ripening of the blood plate on average lasts 8 days. There are platelets in the bloodstream from 9 to 11 days.

The norm for men, women and children will be slightly different. In addition, depending on the age of a person, it also changes. In the general blood test, along with leukocytes, hemoglobin, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and leukocyte formula, there is also such an indicator as platelets. The norm in men of these cells is from 180 to 400 billion per liter.

Where are formed and destroyed?

Platelets are formed from large cells of megakaryocytes, which are almost completely filled with cytoplasm. These are giant cells of the red bone marrow. For a day in the body formed about 70 thousand new blood platelets - platelets. Small fragments of the cytoplasm of megakaryocytes are separated and enter the bloodstream - platelets are formed. Further, these cells mature, perform their functions and in 9-11 days are destroyed in the spleen. This body is responsible for the exclusion from the bloodstream of shaped elements with a broken structure that have served their term.

Of one megakaryocyte, up to 8,000 platelets can form. The development of these bone marrow cells in the body corresponds to a special hormone - thrombopoietin, which is synthesized in the liver, kidneys, and skeletal muscles. From there, with blood flow, he enters the red bone marrow. And there it regulates the formation of megakaryocytes and platelets. With an increase in the blood of platelets, inhibition of the synthesis of the thrombopoietin hormone occurs.

Physiological properties

Platelets play an important role in physiological processes. They perform the following functions:

• Primary stop of bleeding.
• Maintenance of vascular tone and permeability.
• Protective reactions.
• Together with leukocytes are involved in the elimination of inflammatory processes.
• Maintaining blood in a liquid state.

But their haemostatic function is most pronounced. When the blood vessel is damaged, its lumen narrows reflexively. Platelets interact with collagen (they clump together) and form a blood clot that helps stop bleeding.

What affects the number of platelets?

Let's find out what influences such an indicator as platelets. The norm in men is slightly higher than that of women and children. The number of platelets, among other things, in both children and adults is affected by age. Thus, in newborn children the range of platelet count is very wide and ranges from 100 to 420 x 10 ⁹ / l (billion / l). This variation is due to the fact that the circulatory system of newborns is very unstable and platelets, like other uniform elements of blood, are actively developing and dying. This lasts for up to a year.

The number of platelets in the blood can have seasonal changes, increase after active physical exertion and have diurnal fluctuations.

The norm of platelets in men, women, children

To familiarize with norms of this parameter at men, women and children depending on age it is possible in the table located more low.

Some sources indicate that the norm of platelets in men is up to 320 x 10 ⁹ / l. This is a little outdated.

Thrombocytes: normal in men

Lowered values can be in the stronger sex after 60 years. Depending on the age, some indicators of the general blood test may vary. This also applies to such an indicator as platelets. The norm in men by age of this indicator is indicated in the table.

In adulthood, the amount of blood platelets may become slightly lower. This table clearly shows how the norm of such an index, as a platelet, varies with age. The norm in men of 60 years is slightly reduced compared with the values of young people.

What is the evidence of an elevated level of platelets?

In a general blood test, along with hemoglobin, leukocytes, ESR, and counting of the leukocyte formula, platelets are an important indicator. The norm in men in their blood is up to 400, in women - up to 380 x 10 ⁹ / l. If this figure is much higher, then this condition is called thrombocytosis. This can lead to increased blood clotting. But this is not symptomatic in any way. It is often quite accidental - when passing a general blood test during a preventive examination. Thrombocytosis can occur in the following conditions:

• Oncological processes.
• Myelofibosis.
• Chronic inflammatory processes.
• Infectious diseases.
• Postoperative period.
• Erythromy (chronic leukemia).
• After the removal of the spleen (splenectomy).
• With iron deficiency anemia.
• As a result of long-term use of certain drugs, for example, corticosteroids.

All these conditions can lead to an increase in such an indicator as platelets. The norm in men in their blood is usually somewhat higher than that of women and children. A slight increase in platelets is possible after increased physical exertion. This is not a pathology. After rest, this indicator comes back to normal. Thrombocytosis is primary and secondary.

Primary thrombocytosis: causes

Primary thrombocytosis occurs as a result of the violation of hemopoiesis (the formation and maturation of blood cells) stem cells of the bone marrow. The reasons may be:

• Some forms of anemia.
• Erythromy.
• Chronic myeloid leukemia.
• Fibrous bone marrow degeneration (myelofibrosis).
• Idiopathic thrombocythemia, with platelet levels rising to 4000.

Secondary thrombocytosis: causes

Secondary thrombocytosis develops as a result of pathological conditions (diseases) that disrupt the functioning of the hematopoietic organs. The most common cause of secondary thrombocytosis is infection.

Possible causes of secondary thrombocytosis:

• Rheumatoid arthritis.
• Rheumatism (the correct name for this pathology is acute rheumatic fever).
• Osteomyelitis or purulent-necrotic process in the bone marrow.
• Colitis ulcerative.
• Severe liver disease, for example, cirrhosis.
• Tuberculosis.
• Tumor processes, for example, carcinoma, lymphoma or lymphogranulomatosis.
• Big blood loss.
• Acute hemolysis (a serious condition in which the decay of erythrocytes occurs).

What does the lowered platelet level mean?

Thrombocytopenia is a condition in which platelets are reduced in the blood. The norm in men in some sources indicates up to 320 billion cells per liter, in others - 400, and the lower limit in any case is from 180 cells. Reduction of this indicator several times will be considered thrombocytopenia.

The reasons for this may be:

• Infectious processes.
• Functional abnormalities of the bone marrow.
• Pregnancy and menstruation in women.
• Anemias of various kinds.
• Leukemia.
• Heredity.
• Harmful effects of heavy metals.
• Alcohol in large quantities.
• Massive bleeding.
• Taking certain medications (such as antibiotics, analgesics, estrogens).

Deviations from normal platelet counts in one direction or another require careful examination and treatment not only with medications, but also with the appropriate diet.