Learn more. Louis, and completed his residency in family medicine at Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla. He received his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine, Charleston, and completed a residency in family medicine at Naval Hospital Jacksonville.
Address correspondence to Brian J. Stuart, M. Reprints are not available from the authors. The authors indicate that they do not have any conflicts of interest. Sources of funding: none reported. The opinions and assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the U. Navy Medical Corps or the U. Navy at large. Tefferi A. Mayo Clin Proc.
Therapeutic recommendations in polycythemia vera based on Polycythemia Vera Study Group protocols. Semin Hematol. Inapparent polycythemia vera: an unrecognized diagnosis. Am J Med.
Hoffman R. Hematology: basic principles and practice. New York: Churchill Livingstone, — Diagnosing polycythemia vera: a paradigm shift. Murphy S. Diagnostic criteria and prognosis in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. Polycythemia: primary and secondary. In: Kjeldsberg CR. Practical diagnosis of hematologic disorders.
Berlin NI. Polycythemia vera: diagnosis and treatment Expert Rev Anti-cancer Ther. Interpretation of measured red cell mass and plasma volume in adults: Expert Panel on Radionuclides of the International Council for Standardization in Haematology. Br J Haematol. Pearson TC.
Evaluation of diagnostic criteria in polycythemia vera. The rational clinical examination. Does this patient have splenomegaly?. Comparison of erythroid progenitor cell growth in vitro in polycythemia vera and chronic myelogenous leukemia: only polycythemia vera has endogenous colonies. Leuk Res. Michiels JJ, Juvonen E. Proposal for revised diagnostic criteria of essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera by the thrombocythemia vera study group.
Semin Thromb Hemost. Treatment of polycythemia vera: a summary of clinical trials conducted by the polycythemia vera study group. Polycythemia vera and the myeloproliferative disorders. Philadelphia: W. Saunders, — Diehn F, Tefferi A.
Pruritus in polycythaemia vera: prevalence, laboratory correlates and management. Br J Haemat. Therapeutic recommendations for polycythemia vera. Saunders, Michiels JJ. Erythromelalgia and vascular complications in polycythemia vera. People with PV have high red blood cell counts. They also often have:. This procedure is used to measure the volume amount of red blood cells in relation to the volume of plasma fluid in whole blood.
In patients with PV, there may be an absolute increase in red blood cell mass. This test is infrequently performed in the United States due to high cost, difficulty obtaining the appropriate test materials, and the advent of new blood tests such as mutational testing.
A procedure in which a blood sample is viewed under a microscope. A pathologist examines the sample to see if there are any unusual changes in the size, shape and appearance of various blood cells. The test also checks for the presence of immature blast cells in the blood.
These tests measure the levels of substances released into the blood by organs and tissues. These include electrolyes, fats, proteins, glucose sugar and enzymes. For patients suspected of having PV, it is important to test the serum erythropoietin level. Erythropoietin is a hormone naturally produced by the kidneys to stimulate the production of new red blood cells.
The affected bone marrow cells can also develop into other cells found in the blood, which means that people with PV may also have abnormally high numbers of both platelets and white bloods cells. Although caused by a genetic change, PV isn't usually inherited.
Most cases develop later in life. The average age at diagnosis is Secondary polycythaemia is where an underlying condition causes more erythropoietin to be produced. This is a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates the bone marrow cells to produce red blood cells. Your GP may refer you to a haematologist a specialist in blood disorders for more tests, to confirm the diagnosis and to determine the underlying cause. Treatment for polycythaemia aims to prevent symptoms and complications such as blood clots , and treat any underlying causes.
Venesection is the simplest and quickest way of reducing the number of red cells in your blood. It may be recommended if you have PV, a history of blood clots, or symptoms suggesting your blood is too thick. Venesection involves removing about 1 pint half a litre of blood at a time, in a similar way to the procedure used for blood donation. How often this is needed will be different for each person.
At first, you may need the treatment every week, but once your polycythaemia is under control you may only need it every 6 to 12 weeks or less. Many different medicines are available and your specialist will take into account your age and health, response to venesection and red blood cell count when choosing the most appropriate one for you. Examples include:. If you have PV, daily low-dose aspirin tablets may be prescribed to help prevent blood clots and reduce the risk of serious complications.
You may also be offered treatment with low-dose aspirin if you have apparent or secondary polycythaemia and another health problem affecting your blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease or cerebrovascular disease. Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis. There is a problem with information submitted for this request.
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