Polycythemia Vera

What is Polycythemia Vera:

Polycythemia Vera is a rare blood disorder characterized by the overproduction of red blood cells in the bone marrow.

This excessive production thickens the blood, leading to various complications such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack.

PV falls under the category of myeloproliferative neoplasms, where the bone marrow produces too many of one or more types of blood cells.

Side Effects of Polycythemia Vera:

Polycythemia Veracan manifest with a range of symptoms, including:

•  Fatigue and weakness due to decreased oxygen supply to tissues.
•  Headaches and dizziness caused by blood clotting.
•  Itchiness, particularly after a warm bath, due to an abnormal increase in blood cells.
•  Excessive sweating, especially at night.
•  Bleeding or bruising easily.
•  Enlarged spleen, leading to abdominal discomfort or fullness.
•  Vision problems or eye discomfort due to blood vessel constriction.

How is Polycythemia Vera Diagnosed:

Diagnosing Polycythemia Vera typically involves a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and possibly bone marrow tests. Your doctor may order a complete blood count (CBC) to check for elevated levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Additionally, genetic tests and imaging studies like ultrasound or MRI may be conducted to assess any organ damage caused by PV.

Potential Treatments of Polycythemia Vera:

The primary goals of PV treatment are to reduce the risk of blood clots and manage symptoms. Treatment options may include:

• Phlebotomy: This procedure involves removing excess red blood cells by drawing blood, similar to donating blood. It helps alleviate symptoms and lowers the risk of blood clots.
• Medications: Your doctor may prescribe medications such as hydroxyurea or interferon-alpha to suppress the bone marrow's production of blood cells and reduce the risk of complications.
• Aspirin therapy: Low-dose aspirin may be recommended to prevent blood clots.
• JAK2 inhibitors: For patients who don't respond well to other treatments or have an increased risk of blood clots, JAK2 inhibitors like ruxolitinib may be prescribed.

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