Polycythemia
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| Polycythemia | |
|---|---|
| |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Headache, dizziness, itching, redness of the skin, shortness of breath |
| Complications | Thrombosis, stroke, myocardial infarction, gout |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Long-term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Primary polycythemia (genetic), secondary polycythemia (environmental or disease-related) |
| Risks | Smoking, high altitude, chronic hypoxia, tumors |
| Diagnosis | Complete blood count, hematocrit measurement, erythropoietin level |
| Differential diagnosis | Dehydration, stress polycythemia, relative polycythemia |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Phlebotomy, medication (e.g., hydroxyurea, interferon), aspirin |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on type and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Polycythemia is a medical condition characterized by an increased concentration of red blood cells (erythrocytes) in the blood. This increase can be a response to an event such as living at high altitudes or a symptom of an underlying disease.[1]
Classification
Polycythemia can be classified into primary and secondary types.
Primary Polycythemia
Primary polycythemia, also known as polycythemia vera, is a chronic myeloproliferative disorder where overproduction of red blood cells occurs due to abnormality in the bone marrow. This is often due to mutations in the JAK2 gene.[2]
Secondary Polycythemia
Secondary polycythemia is caused by either natural or artificial factors that induce erythropoietin production, such as living at high altitudes, chronic hypoxia, or tumors.[3]
Pathophysiology
In polycythemia, the increase in the volume of red blood cells leads to an increase in blood viscosity and total blood volume, potentially leading to hyperviscosity syndrome. This condition can result in complications such as thrombosis and can put strain on the heart, leading to heart failure.[4]
Clinical Features
Symptoms of polycythemia may include fatigue, headache, itchiness, bone pain, joint pain, dizziness, abdominal discomfort, and an enlarged spleen. In severe cases, stroke or heart attack may occur.[5]
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis is based on a combination of physical examination, medical history, and laboratory tests including a complete blood count and bone marrow biopsy. Treatment can include phlebotomy, medications to reduce blood cells production, or treatments to alleviate symptoms.[6]
References
- ↑ What Is Polycythemia Vera?(link). {{{website}}}. WebMD. Accessed 2023-05-18.
- ↑ Polycythemia Vera(link). {{{website}}}. Genetics Home Reference. Accessed 2023-05-18.
- ↑ Polycythemia(link). {{{website}}}. Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Accessed 2023-05-18.
- ↑ Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic. Accessed 2023-05-18.
- ↑ Polycythemia vera - Symptoms and causes(link). {{{website}}}. Mayo Clinic. Accessed 2023-05-18.
- ↑ Polycythemia vera(link). {{{website}}}. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Accessed 2023-05-18.
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
