| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Polycythemia vera |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Primary polycythemia; Polycythemia rubra vera; Myeloproliferative disorder; Erythremia; Splenomegalic polycythemia; Vaquez's disease; Osler's disease; Polycythemia with chronic cyanosis - Myelopathic polycythemia; Erythrocytosis megalosplenica; Cryptogenic polycythemia |
| Treatment: |
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The objective of treatment is to reduce the high blood viscosity (thickness of the blood) due to the increased red blood cell mass and to prevent hemorrhage and thrombosis. Phlebotomy is one method used to reduce the high blood viscosity. In phlebotomy, 1 unit (pint) of blood is removed weekly until the hematocrit is less than 45, then phlebotomy is continued as necessary. Occasionally, chemotherapy may be given to suppress the bone marrow. The use of anti-platelet therapy (such as aspirin) is controversial because it may cause gastric bleeding. Allopurinol is given for hyperuricemia (gout). |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
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Polycythemia vera usually develops slowly, and most patients treated appropriately do not experience any problems related to the disease. However, the abnormal bone marrow cells may begin to grow uncontrollably leading to acute myelogenous leukemia. Patients with polycythemia vera also have an increased tendency to form blood clots that can result in strokes or heart attacks. Some patients may experience abnormal bleeding because their platelets are abnormal. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if symptoms of polycythemia vera develop. |
Waldenstroms |
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