Analysis of 12517 inhabitants of a Sardinian geographic isolate reveals that propensity to develop mild thrombocytopenia during ageing and to present mild, transient …

Background. Thrombocytopenia is a common finding in several diseases but almost nothing is known about the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in general population. We addressed the theme of thrombocytopenia prevalence and determinants of platelet count in a healthy, wide age ranging population. Design and Methods. We performed a cross-sectional study on 12517 inhabitants of 10 villages (80% of residents) in a secluded area of Sardinia (Ogliastra). Participants underwent a complete blood count evaluation and a structured questionnaire, collecting epidemiologic data. Results. We observed a platelet count lower than 150x109/L in 3.2% (2.8%-3.6%) of females and 4.8% (4.3%-5.4%) of males, with a value of 3.9% (3.6%-4.3%) in the entire population. Thrombocytopenia was mild (100-150x109 platelets/L), asymptomatic and not associated with other cytopenias or overt disorders in most cases. Its …