[A clinical and biological study of 11 cases of essential thrombocythemia].

11 patients diagnosed as suffering from essential thrombocytosis at "Hospital Xeral de Lugo" between 1978 and 1986, are presented. 7 patients were female and 4 were male with a median age of 63 years. 6 patients had thrombotic manifestation, 6 had hemorrhagic symptoms, 2 had both manifestations and only one had no thrombo-hemorrhagic clinical symptoms. Spleen enlargement was found in 6 cases and liver enlargement in 5. The median count of platelets were 1.585.000 ml; there was no relationship between the amount and their function with the major or minor complications incidence. There was a good response to treatment with hydroxyurea and/or busulfan associated to platelets aggregation inhibitor in some cases. 4 patients died, all of them due to thrombotic complications.