Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
Alternative names Return to top
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 polycythemiaDefinition Return to top
Polycythemia vera is an abnormal increase in blood cells (primarily red blood cells) resulting from excess production by the bone marrow.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
Polycythemia vera is an acquired disorder of the bone marrow that causes the overproduction of all three blood cell lines: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
It is a rare disease that occurs more frequently in men than women, and rarely in patients under 40 years old. It is not known what causes polycythemia vera.
The disease usually develops slowly, and most patients do not experience any problems related to the disease after being diagnosed. However, the abnormal bone marrow cells may begin to grow uncontrollably in some patients 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.
Symptoms Return to top
Note: Symptoms are due to increased blood viscosity and clotting.
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Signs and tests Return to top
This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:
Treatment Return to top
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) Return to top
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 Return to top
Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call your health care provider if symptoms of polycythemia vera develop. Update Date: 1/16/2004 Updated by: Jacqueline A. Hart, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Netwon-Wellesley Hospital, Boston, Ma., and Senior Medical Editor, A.D.A.M., Inc. Previously reviewed by William Matsui, M.D., Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (5/10/2002).
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |