Thrombocytopenia and iron deficiency anaemia in a patient with alpha1-thalassaemia trait. Response to iron therapy. Case report.

Iron deficiency anaemia secondary to menorrhagia was observed in a woman of Greek Cypriot origin. Moderate thrombocytopenia was also present. Treatment with parenteral and oral iron produced a transient thrombocytosis, the platelet count then returning to normal. Subsequent analysis revealed that she also carried the alpha1-thalassaemia trait. Previous reports of thrombocytopenia responsive to iron treatment are reviewed.