Pronounced: pol-ee-si-thee-me-a
Polycythemia is a condition that occurs when the bone marrow produces an abnormal and excessive amount of red blood cells and platelets in the blood. The abnormal increase of red blood cells in the blood can cause the blood to thicken and clot.
There are several forms of polycythemia—primary polycythemia, secondary polycythemia, and stress polycythemia—and each form has its own set of causes and risk factors.
Primary polycythemia is a serious and chronic condition that requires immediate care from your doctor. No cures exist for this condition, but there are treatment options. It is extremely important that you seek medical attention to establish a treatment plan.
The precise cause of primary polycythemia is unknown. There are no apparent genetic or environmental factors that can be attributed to causing primary polycythemia.
A risk factor is something that increases your chances of getting a disease or condition. The following factors will increase your chances of developing primary polycythemia:
The symptoms of primary polycythemia occur gradually and vary from person to person. Some people are asymptomatic (showing no signs of the condition), while others are symptomatic (showing signs of the condition). If you experience any of the following symptoms, do not assume it is due to primary polycythemia. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Your physician will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. You may also be referred to a doctor who specializes in blood diseases and disorders (called a hematologist). The hematologist will perform a series (a set) of tests that may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
Phlebotomy is a technique that requires a person to periodically have blood removed from a vein to decrease the overall total proportion of red blood cells in the body. The frequency of the treatment is based on how quickly a person’s bone marrow produces an excessive amount of red blood cells.
Myelosuppressive agents are drugs taken orally (by mouth) to block or interfere with the formation of new cells. These drugs reduce bone morrow production of cells to decrease platelets and the overall proportion of red blood cells in the body.
Chemotherapy is a group of drugs that can be given orally (by mouth), by injection, or through a catheter (tubular device that is inserted into a duct or blood vessel) to slow the rapid development of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
There are no known preventative measures that will reduce your chances of getting primary polycythemia; the condition is not contagious.
There is no cure, but recent research suggests that individuals who have primary polycythemia may significantly increase their overall life expectancy by seeking immediate and timely treatment.
RESOURCES:
American Society of Hematology
http://www.hematology.org
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
http://www.lls.org
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
BC Health Guide
http://www.bchealthguide.org
Capital Health
http://www.cdha.nshealth.ca
References:
Berk PD, Goldberg JD, Donovan PB, et al. Therapeutic recommendations in polycythemia vera based on Polycythemia Vera Study Group protocols. Semin Hematol . 1986;23:132-143.
Gilbert HS. Current management in polycythemia vera. Semin Hematol . 2001;38(1 Suppl 2):25-28.
Golden C. Polycythemia vera: a review. Clin J Oncol Nurs . 2003;7:553-556.
Kessler CM. Propensity for hemorrhage and thrombosis in chronic myeloproliferative disorders. Semin Hematol . 2004;41(2 Suppl 3):10-14.
Munson BL. Myths & facts…about polycythemia vera. Nursing . 2005;35:28.
Passamonti F, Rumi E, Pungolino E, et al. Life expectancy and prognostic factors for survival in patients with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia. Am J Med . 2004;117:755-761.
Ruggeri M, Tosetto A, Frezzato M, et al. The rate of progression to polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia in patients with erythrocytosis or thrombocytosis. Ann Intern Med . 2003;139:470-475.
Solberg LA Jr. Therapeutic options for essential thrombocythemia and polycythemia vera. Semin Oncol . 2002;29(3 Suppl 10):10-15.
Spivak JL. The optimal management of polycythaemia vera. Br J Haematol . 2002;116:243-254.
Stuart BJ, Viera AJ. Polycythemia vera. Am Fam Physician . 2004;69:2139-2144.
Tefferi A. A contemporary approach to the diagnosis and management of polycythemia vera. Curr Hematol Rep . 2003;2:237-241.
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Last reviewed November 2008 by Igor Puzanov, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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