Polycythemia vera: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Polycythemia vera | |||
| image = [[File:Polycythemia_vera,_blood_smear.jpg|left|thumb|Blood smear showing polycythemia vera]] | |||
| caption = Blood smear showing polycythemia vera | |||
| field = [[Hematology]] | |||
| synonyms = Primary polycythemia, polycythemia rubra vera, Vaquez's disease | |||
| symptoms = [[Headache]], [[dizziness]], [[itching]], [[redness of the skin]], [[fatigue]], [[blurred vision]], [[splenomegaly]] | |||
| complications = [[Thrombosis]], [[myelofibrosis]], [[acute myeloid leukemia]] | |||
| onset = Typically in adults over 60 | |||
| duration = Long-term | |||
| causes = [[JAK2]] mutation | |||
| risks = [[Age]], [[family history]] | |||
| diagnosis = [[Complete blood count]], [[bone marrow biopsy]], [[JAK2 mutation test]] | |||
| differential = [[Secondary polycythemia]], [[chronic myeloid leukemia]], [[essential thrombocythemia]] | |||
| treatment = [[Phlebotomy]], [[hydroxyurea]], [[interferon-alpha]], [[ruxolitinib]] | |||
| medication = [[Aspirin]], [[hydroxyurea]], [[ruxolitinib]] | |||
| prognosis = Variable, risk of complications | |||
| frequency = 1-3 per 100,000 people per year | |||
| deaths = Approximately 1.6 per 100,000 people per year | |||
}} | |||
[[File:Erythromelalgia.jpg|Erythromelalgia|thumb|left]] | |||
'''Polycythemia vera''' ('''PV''') is a rare type of [[blood disorder]] in which the body produces too many [[red blood cells]]. This overproduction can lead to thickening of the blood, which can cause [[blood clot]]s, [[stroke]], or other health problems. PV is a type of [[myeloproliferative neoplasm]], a group of blood cancers that affect the normal production of blood cells in the [[bone marrow]]. | '''Polycythemia vera''' ('''PV''') is a rare type of [[blood disorder]] in which the body produces too many [[red blood cells]]. This overproduction can lead to thickening of the blood, which can cause [[blood clot]]s, [[stroke]], or other health problems. PV is a type of [[myeloproliferative neoplasm]], a group of blood cancers that affect the normal production of blood cells in the [[bone marrow]]. | ||
== Signs and Symptoms == | == Signs and Symptoms == | ||
The signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms. Common symptoms of PV include [[fatigue]], [[weakness]], [[shortness of breath]], [[headache]], [[dizziness]], [[itching]], and [[night sweats]]. In some cases, people with PV may also experience [[abdominal pain]] due to an enlarged [[spleen]]. | The signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms. Common symptoms of PV include [[fatigue]], [[weakness]], [[shortness of breath]], [[headache]], [[dizziness]], [[itching]], and [[night sweats]]. In some cases, people with PV may also experience [[abdominal pain]] due to an enlarged [[spleen]]. | ||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Polycythemia vera is caused by a mutation in the [[JAK2]] gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that promotes the growth and division of cells. When the JAK2 gene is mutated, it can lead to the overproduction of red blood cells. | Polycythemia vera is caused by a mutation in the [[JAK2]] gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that promotes the growth and division of cells. When the JAK2 gene is mutated, it can lead to the overproduction of red blood cells. | ||
== Diagnosis == | == Diagnosis == | ||
The diagnosis of polycythemia vera is often made through a series of [[blood tests]]. These tests can show an increase in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in the level of [[erythropoietin]], a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. In some cases, a [[bone marrow biopsy]] may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis. | The diagnosis of polycythemia vera is often made through a series of [[blood tests]]. These tests can show an increase in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in the level of [[erythropoietin]], a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. In some cases, a [[bone marrow biopsy]] may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis. | ||
== Treatment == | == Treatment == | ||
The treatment of polycythemia vera is aimed at reducing the number of red blood cells in the body and preventing complications such as blood clots. This can be achieved through various methods, including [[phlebotomy]], medication, and in some cases, [[radiation therapy]]. | The treatment of polycythemia vera is aimed at reducing the number of red blood cells in the body and preventing complications such as blood clots. This can be achieved through various methods, including [[phlebotomy]], medication, and in some cases, [[radiation therapy]]. | ||
== See Also == | == See Also == | ||
* [[Myeloproliferative neoplasm]] | * [[Myeloproliferative neoplasm]] | ||
* [[Blood disorders]] | * [[Blood disorders]] | ||
* [[JAK2]] | * [[JAK2]] | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
<references /> | <references /> | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* [https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloproliferative/patient/polycythemia-vera-treatment-pdq National Cancer Institute: Polycythemia Vera Treatment] | * [https://www.cancer.gov/types/myeloproliferative/patient/polycythemia-vera-treatment-pdq National Cancer Institute: Polycythemia Vera Treatment] | ||
[[Category:Blood disorders]] | [[Category:Blood disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Rare diseases]] | [[Category:Rare diseases]] | ||
[[Category:Myeloproliferative neoplasms]] | [[Category:Myeloproliferative neoplasms]] | ||
{{stub}} | {{stub}} | ||
Latest revision as of 05:24, 9 April 2025
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| Polycythemia vera | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Synonyms | Primary polycythemia, polycythemia rubra vera, Vaquez's disease |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, dizziness, itching, redness of the skin, fatigue, blurred vision, splenomegaly |
| Complications | Thrombosis, myelofibrosis, acute myeloid leukemia |
| Onset | Typically in adults over 60 |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | JAK2 mutation |
| Risks | Age, family history |
| Diagnosis | Complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy, JAK2 mutation test |
| Differential diagnosis | Secondary polycythemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, essential thrombocythemia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Phlebotomy, hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, ruxolitinib |
| Medication | Aspirin, hydroxyurea, ruxolitinib |
| Prognosis | Variable, risk of complications |
| Frequency | 1-3 per 100,000 people per year |
| Deaths | Approximately 1.6 per 100,000 people per year |
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare type of blood disorder in which the body produces too many red blood cells. This overproduction can lead to thickening of the blood, which can cause blood clots, stroke, or other health problems. PV is a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm, a group of blood cancers that affect the normal production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
Signs and Symptoms[edit]
The signs and symptoms of polycythemia vera can vary greatly from person to person. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may experience severe symptoms. Common symptoms of PV include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, itching, and night sweats. In some cases, people with PV may also experience abdominal pain due to an enlarged spleen.
Causes[edit]
Polycythemia vera is caused by a mutation in the JAK2 gene. This gene provides instructions for making a protein that promotes the growth and division of cells. When the JAK2 gene is mutated, it can lead to the overproduction of red blood cells.
Diagnosis[edit]
The diagnosis of polycythemia vera is often made through a series of blood tests. These tests can show an increase in the number of red blood cells and a decrease in the level of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may also be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment[edit]
The treatment of polycythemia vera is aimed at reducing the number of red blood cells in the body and preventing complications such as blood clots. This can be achieved through various methods, including phlebotomy, medication, and in some cases, radiation therapy.
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
<references />
