What is a potential complication from splenectomy related to blood cell levels?

The correct answer is related to reactive thrombocytosis, which is a condition characterized by an elevated platelet count in the bloodstream. After a splenectomy, the spleen, which plays a critical role in filtering blood and managing blood cell levels, is removed. The spleen helps regulate platelet levels by removing old or dysfunctional platelets from circulation. Without this regulatory function, there is often an increase in the number of platelets, leading to reactive thrombocytosis.

This phenomenon occurs as the body adapts to the loss of splenic function, with other organs sometimes compensating to create an increase in platelets as there is insufficient clearance. Reactive thrombocytosis is commonly seen after splenectomy and can sometimes contribute to thrombotic events due to the increased platelet mass.

The other conditions mentioned, such as thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and macrocytic anemia, do not typically result from splenectomy. Thrombocytopenia involves low platelet levels, leukopenia refers to a decrease in white blood cells, and macrocytic anemia is associated with larger-than-normal red blood cells, typically due to vitamin deficiencies or other factors unrelated to splenic removal.