Polycythemia Vera

Medical Review

Written by: Dr. Von Chiao Wen Doctor of Medicine (MD), N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University
Reviewed by: Dr. Lee Chin Meng Doctor of Medicine (MD), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)

Overview of Polycythemia Vera

Polycythemia Vera is a condition where the malignancy begins in the marrow of the bones, at the soft center where the new blood cells produced. It produce red blood cells abundantly causing the blood to be extremely thick.

Signs and Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera

Itchiness occuring usually following a warm bath or shower, Headache, Dizziness, Vertigo, Bleeding or bruising easily, Blurred vision, RInging in the ear, Chest pain, Episodic leg pain, Fullness or bloating in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen, Fevers, Unexplained weight loss

Common Causes of Polycythemia Vera

Gene mutation

Risk Factors of Polycythemia Vera

History of blood clots, Over age 60, High blood pressure, Diabetes, Smoking, High cholesterol, Pregnancy, Males

Investigation Techniques for Polycythemia Vera

Blood tests, Full blood picture, Peripheral blood smear, Arterial oxygen saturation, Coagulation time, Serum uric acid, Erythropoietin levels, Gene test, Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy, Tests for the gene mutation that causes polycythemia vera

Treatment and Prevention of Polycythemia Vera

Low-dose aspirin, Phlebotomy, Hydroxyurea, Interferon alfa (Intron A), Allopurinol, Surgical removal of speen

Available Polycythemia Vera Medicines

No medicines currently available for this condition.

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