Polycythemia

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

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]

Composition of Blood

Classification[edit | edit source]

Polycythemia vera, blood smear

Polycythemia can be classified into primary and secondary types.

Primary Polycythemia[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

  1. "What Is Polycythemia Vera?". WebMD. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  2. "Polycythemia Vera". Genetics Home Reference. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  3. "Polycythemia". Lecturio Medical Concept Library. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  4. "Polycythemia (High Red Blood Cell Count)". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  5. "Polycythemia vera - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
  6. "Polycythemia vera". National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Retrieved 2023-05-18.
Polycythemia Resources

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD