A relative thrombocytosis and elevated mean platelet volume are features of gravitational disease.

Platelet counts were obtained in 60 patients with gravitational ulceration (GU), 60 with gravitational eczema (GE), 56 with endogenous eczema (EE) and 60 normal controls. Mean platelet volume (MPV), a broad index of platelet size, was estimated in the last 40 patients in each group (29 with EE). Causes of a reactive thrombocytosis were excluded. Platelet counts were significantly higher in both gravitational groups than in the EE group or the normal controls (P = 0.001). Ulcer healing produced no significant changes in platelet count, and patients with non-gravitational ulcers had normal platelet counts. MPV was significantly higher in both gravitational groups than in controls after correction for platelet count, by analysis of co-variance (P = 0.01). These differences in platelet parameters in gravitational disease suggest a possible role for platelets in this disease, and platelet inhibiting therapy may be of value at an early stage in the development of the condition.