Polycythemia vera

Alternative names:

hyperglobulinemia; myeloproliferative disorders; polycythemia rubra vera; primary polycythemia; Waldenstrom's disease

Treatment:

The objective of treatment is to reduce the high blood viscosity 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 antiplatelet therapy such as aspirin (see salicylates - oral) is controversial; it may cause gastric bleeding.

Allopurinol is given for hyperuricemia (gout).

Expectations (prognosis):

The median survival is 11 to 15 years. The major cause of death is thrombosis (blood clots causing strokes or heart attacks). Polycythemia may convert to a type of leukemia.

Complications:

• thrombosis (a cause of stroke and heart attack)
• peptic ulcer disease
• gastric bleeding
• gout
• leukemia
• heart failure
• myelofibrosis

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of polycythemia vera develop.

Picture:
P0479.pctPolycythemia - red blood cells