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Polycythemia Vera (or true polycythemia) is a blood disorder, in which too many erythrocytes (red blood cells) are produced. Due to these extra red blood cells the blood becomes too thick.
Increased production of white blood cells, but also platelets, can increase, the latest might be leading to blood clot formation.
A general itching, especially after a bath, and burning sensation, especially in the extremities, could be an indication of Polycythemia Vera. Other symptoms might be fatigue, headache, dizziness, lethargy, reddened complexion, shortness of breath, nights sweats, visual disturbance (blind spots, flashes), stomach ulcer, gout, kidney stones, enlarged liver/spleen.
A blood test could show abnormally high hematocrit (the red blood cells' percentage of the whole blood), the increased numbers of other blood cells (possible).
Treatment is designed to decrease the number of red blood cells (keeping hematocrit bellow 45%) by regular venesection (taking blood), medication (hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, anagrelide, aspirin (relief of burning, blood clotting), antihistamines (relief of itching).
Treatment can not cure Polycythemia Vera but can considerably prolong life.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 11y agoPolycythemia Vera (or true polycythemia) is a blood disorder, in which too many erythrocytes (red blood cells) are produced. Due to these extra red blood cells the blood becomes to thick.
Increased production of white blood cells, but also platelets, can increase, the latest might be leading to blood clot formation.
A general itching, especially after a bath, and burning sensation, especially in the extremities, could be an indication of Polycythemia Vera. Other symptoms might be fatigue, headache, dizziness, lethargy, reddened complexion, shortness of breath, nights sweats, visual disturbance (blind spots, flashes), stomach ulcer, gout, kidney stones, enlarged liver/spleen.
Blood test could show abnormally high hematocrit (the red blood cells' percentage of the whole blood), the increased numbers of other blood cells (possible).
Treatment is designed to decrease the number of red blood cells (keeping hematocrit bellow 45%) by regular venesection (taking blood), medication (hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, anagrelide, aspirin (relief of burning, blod clotting), antihistamines (relief of itching).
Treatment can not cure Polycythemia Vera, but can considerably prolong life.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoA chronic disorder characterized by increased red blood cell mass and other malfunctions of the blood system. It most commonly occurs in males of Jewish ancestry between the ages of 40 and 60.
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What is a polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia vera-- An excess number of red blood cells in the blood.
Major Classification of Polycythemia Vera?
Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a rare blood disorder in which the number of red blood cells increases in the body. This increase of blood cell have many reasons, it could be due to a primary process in the bone marrow also known as Myeloproliferative Syndrome, or it may be due to low Oxygen levels or, rarely, a malignancy. Polycythemia Poly is classified into two major groups. * Polycythemia Vera - Primary Polycythemia * Non Vera + Secondary Polycythemia + Relative Polycythemia
Is polycythemia vera hereditary?
Polycythemia Vera is not hereditary Polycythemia Vera (PV) a rare and serious, blood disorder that can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated properly. Polycythemia Vera (PV) or Primary Polycythemia is a blood disorder in which bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. The symptoms of Polycythemia Vera are not visible for many years and it develops very slowly. Lots of people find out about their PV from blood tests done for other reasons. Go to the web mpdvoice.org.uk for info on PV and the other rare cancers of the blood
Is polycythemia hereditary?
Polycythemia Vera is not hereditary Polycythemia Vera (PV) a rare and serious, blood disorder that can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated properly. Polycythemia Vera (PV) or Primary Polycythemia is a blood disorder in which bone marrow makes too many red blood cells. The symptoms of Polycythemia Vera are not visible for many years and it develops very slowly. Lots of people find out about their PV from blood tests done for other reasons. Go to the web mpdvoice.org.uk for info on PV and the other rare cancers of the blood
What is the prognosis of polycythemia vera?
The treatment for polycythemia Vera are prescribing drugs that decreases the production of blood cells, taking aspirin, and drawing blood on a regular basis. Polycythemia Vera is a form of blood cancer in which the bone marrow produces an excess of blood cells.
How much blood is drawn in phlebotomy treatment of polycythemia vera?
Phlebotomy for polycythemia vera removes enough blood to keep the patient's hematocrit (proportion of red blood cells) below 45%.
What will polycythemia vera result in?
Overproduction of WBCs (white blood cells)
What does Polycythemia Vera do to the body?
Polycythemia Vera is a mutation in our bone marrow which affects our blood cell production. The blood cells in our body come in three types: the carriers, our red blood cells, the fighters, our white blood cells, and the healers, platelets, which are what creates the clots. Polycythemia Vera causes our bone marrow to create more of one of the types of blood cells.
Who is not a candidate of being bone marrow donor?
Polycythemia Vera and Leukemia patients
What is another name for leukemia?
Cancer of the blood, Cancer of the bone marrow
How is Polycythemia Vera treated by Phosphorus 32?
Phosphorus 32 is no longer used in treatment of polycythemia vera because it has a relatively high rate of converting the illness into CML (a form of leukemia). Anyone still receiving this therapy ought to get a second opinion, since there are far less dangerous threatments available.
Why can't you donate blood if you have polycythemia vera?
Polycythemia Vera is the clonal expansion of red cells (primarily), white cells and platelets. Since PCV is a myeloproliferative disorder of unknown etiology, FDA guidelines require permanent deferral from volunteer blood donation. Patients with PCV may, however, donated blood for their own use (autologous donation).
