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Polycythemia vera
Definition
Polycythemia vera is a bone marrow disease that leads to an abnormal increase in the number of blood cells (primarily red blood cells).
Alternative Names
Primary polycythemia; Polycythemia rubra vera; Myeloproliferative disorder; Erythremia; Splenomegalic polycythemia; Vaquez's disease; Osler's disease; Polycythemia with chronic cyanosis - Myelopathic polycythemia; Erythrocytosis megalosplenica; Cryptogenic polycythemia
Causes
Polycythemia vera is a disorder of the bone marrow. It mainly causes too much production of red blood cells, although the numbers of white blood cells and platelets are also increased.
It is a rare disease that occurs more often in men than women, and is rare in patients under age 40. It is usually associated with a gene mutation called JAK2V617F. The cause of this mutation is unknown.
Symptoms
- Breathing difficulty when lying down
- Dizziness
- Excessive bleeding
- Fullness in the left upper abdomen (due to enlarged spleen)
- Headache
- Itchiness, especially after a warm bath
- Red coloring, especially of the face
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of phlebitis
Note: Some of these symptoms are due to increased blood thickness and clotting.
Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:
- Bluish skin color
- Fatigue
- Red skin spots
- Vision problems
Exams and Tests
The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Complete blood count with differential
- Comprehensive metabolic panel
- Erythropoietin level
- Genetic test for the JAK2V617F mutation
- Oxygen saturation of the blood
- Red blood cell mass
- Vitamin B12 level
This disease may also affect the results of the following tests:
- ESR
- Lactate dehydrogenase
- Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
- Platelet aggregation test
- Serum uric acid
Treatment
The goal of treatment is to reduce the thickness of the blood and prevent bleeding and clotting.
A method called phlebotomy is used to decrease blood thickness. One unit of blood (about 1 pint) is removed weekly until the hematocrit level is less than 45 (males) or 42 (females). Then therapy is continued as needed.
Occasionally, chemotherapy (specifically hydroxyurea) may be given to reduce the number of red blood cells made by the bone marrow. Interferon may also be given to lower blood counts. A medicine called anagrelide may be given to lower platelet counts.
Some patients are advised to take aspirin to reduce the risk of blood clots, though it increases the risk for stomach bleeding. Ultraviolet-B light therapy can reduce the severe itching some patients experience.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The disease usually develops slowly. Most patients do not experience any problems related to the disease after being diagnosed. The condition is often diagnosed before severe symptoms occur.
Possible Complications
- Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML)
- Bleeding from the stomach or other parts of the intestinal tract
- Gout
- Heart failure
- Myelofibrosis
- Thrombosis (blood clotting, which can cause a stroke, heart attack, or other body damage)
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if symptoms of polycythemia vera develop.
References
Hoffman R, Xu M, Finazzi G, Barbui T. The polycythemias. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ Jr., Shattil SJ, et al, eds. Hoffman Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2008:chap 68.
Tefferi A. Polycythemias. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 172.
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
