polycythemia vera

Polycythemia Vera

Definition

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic blood disorder marked by an abnormal increase in three types of blood cells produced by bone marrow: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. PV is called a myeloproliferative disorder, which means that the bone marrow is producing too many cells too quickly. Most of the symptoms of PV are related to the increased volume of the patient's blood and its greater thickness (high viscosity). PV sometimes evolves into a different myeloproliferative disorder or into acute leukemia.

Description

Polycythemia vera is a relatively common progressive disorder that develops over a course of 10-20 years. In the United States, PV affects about one person in every 200,000. PV has several other names, including splenomegalic polycythemia, Vaquez-Osler syndrome, erythremia, and primary polycythemia. Primary polycythemia means that the disorder is not caused or triggered by other illnesses. PV most commonly affects middle-aged adults. It is rarely seen in children or young adults and does not appear to run in families. The male/female ratio is 2:1.Risk factors for polycythemia vera include:

Caucasian race
male sex
age between 40 and 60

Causes and symptoms

The cause of PV remains uncertain. In general, the increased mass of red blood cells in the patient's blood causes both hemorrhage and abnormal formation of blood clots in the circulatory system (thrombosis). The reasons for these changes in clotting patterns are not yet fully understood.

Early symptoms

The symptoms of early PV may be minimal—it is not unusual for the disorder to be discovered during a routine blood test. More often, however, patients have symptoms that include headaches, ringing in the ears, tiring easily, memory problems, difficulty breathing, giddiness or lightheadedness, hypertension, visual problems, or tingling or burning sensations in their hands or feet. Another common symptom is itching (pruritus). Pruritus related to PV is often worse after the patient takes a warm bath or shower.Some patients' early symptoms include unusually heavy bleeding from minor cuts, nosebleeds, stomach ulcers, or bone pain. In a few cases, the first symptom is the development of blood clots in an unusual part of the circulatory system (e.g., the liver).

Later symptoms and complications

As the disease progresses, patients with PV may have episodes of hemorrhage or thrombosis. Thrombosis is the most frequent cause of death from PV. Other complications include a high level of uric acid in the blood and an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease. About 10% of PV patients eventually develop gout; another 10% develop peptic ulcers.

Spent phase

The spent phase is a development in late PV that affects about 30% of patients. The bone marrow eventually fails and the patient becomes severely anemic, requiring repeated blood transfusions. The spleen and liver become greatly enlarged—in the later stages of PV, the patient's spleen may fill the entire left side of the abdomen.

Diagnosis

Physical examination

PV is often a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that the doctor will first rule out other possible causes of the patient's symptoms. The doctor can detect some signs of the disorder during a physical examination. Patients with PV will have an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) in 75% of cases. About 50% will have a slightly enlarged liver. The doctor can feel these changes when he or she presses on (palpates) the patient's abdomen while the patient is lying flat. An eye examination will usually reveal swollen veins at the back of the eye. Patients with PV often have unusually red complexions; mottled red patches on their legs, feet, or hands; or swelling at the ends of the fingers.

Diagnostic criteria for pv

Accurate diagnosis of PV is critical because its treatment may require the use of drugs with the potential to cause leukemia. The results of the patient's blood tests are evaluated according to criteria worked out around 1970 by the Polycythemia Vera Study Group. The patient is considered to have PV if all three major criteria are met; or if the first two major criteria and any two minor criteria are met.Major criteria:

red blood cell mass greater than 36 mL/kg in males, greater than 32 mL/kg in females
arterial oxygen level greater than 92%
splenomegaly

Minor criteria:

platelet count greater than 400,000/mm³
WBC greater than 12,000/mm³ without fever or infection
leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) score greater than 100 with increased blood serum levels of vitamin B₁₂

Laboratory testing

BLOOD TESTS. The diagnosis of PV depends on a set of findings from blood tests. The most important single measurement is the patient's red blood cell mass as a proportion of the total blood volume. This measurement is made by tagging RBCs with radioactive chromium (⁵¹Cr) in order to determine the patient's RBC volume. While a few patients with PV may have a red cell mass level within the normal range if they have had recent heavy bleeding, a high score may eliminate the need for some other tests. A score higher than 36 mL/kg for males and 32 mL/kg for females on the ⁵¹Cr test suggests PV. Measurements of the oxygen level in the patient's arterial blood, of the concentration of vitamin B₁₂ in the blood serum, and of leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) staining can be used to distinguish PV from certain types of leukemia or from other types of polycythemia. LAP staining measures the intensity of enzyme activity in a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. In PV, the LAP score is higher than normal whereas in leukemia it is below normal.BONE MARROW TESTS. Bone marrow testing can be used as part of the diagnostic process. A sample of marrow can be cultured to see if red blood cell colonies develop without the addition of a hormone that stimulates RBC production. The growth of a cell colony without added hormone indicates PV. Bone marrow testing is also important in monitoring the progress of the disease, particularly during the spent phase.GENETIC TESTING. Genetic testing can be used to rule out the possibility of chronic myeloid leukemia. Patients with this disease have a characteristic chromosomal abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome does not occur in patients with PV.

Imaging studies

Imaging studies are not necessary to make the diagnosis of PV. In some cases, however, imaging studies can detect enlargement of the spleen that the doctor may not be able to feel during the physical examination.

Treatment

Treatment of PV is tailored to the individual patient according to his or her age, the severity of the symptoms and complications, and the stage of the disease.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the withdrawal of blood from a vein. It is the first line of treatment for patients with PV. Phlebotomy is used to bring down the ratio of red blood cells to fluid volume (the hematocrit) in the patient's blood to a level below 45%. In most cases the doctor will withdraw about 500 mL of blood (about 15 fluid ounces) once or twice a week until the hematocrit is low enough. Phlebotomy is considered the best course of treatment for patients younger than 60 and for women of childbearing age. Its drawback is that patients remain at some risk for either thrombosis or hemorrhage.

Myelosuppression

Myelosuppressive therapies are used to slow down the body's production of blood cells. They are given to patients who are older than 60 and at high risk for thrombosis. These therapies, however, increase the patient's risk of developing leukemia. The substances most frequently used as of 1998 include hydroxyurea (Hydrea), interferon alfa (Intron), or radioactive phosphorus (³²P). ³²P is used only in elderly patients with life expectancies of less than five years because it causes leukemia in about 10% of patients. Interferon alfa is expensive and causes side effects resembling the symptoms of influenza but is an option for some younger PV patients.

Investigational treatment

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of anagrelide, an orphan drug, for investigational use in the treatment of PV. Anagrelide has moderate side effects and controls the platelet level in over 90% of patients.

Treatment of complications

The itching caused by PV is often difficult to control. Patients with pruritus are given diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or another antihistamine. Patients with high levels of uric acid are usually given allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim) by mouth. Supportive care includes advice about diet—splenomegaly often makes patients feel full after eating only a little food. This problem can be minimized by advising patients to eat small meals followed by rest periods.Because of the clotting problems related to PV, patients should not undergo surgery until their blood counts are close to normal levels. Female patients of childbearing age should be warned about the dangers of pregnancy related to their clotting abnormalities.

Key terms

Anagrelide — An orphan drug that is approved for treating PV patients on an investigational basis. Anagrelide works by controlling the level of platelets in the blood.Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) test — A blood test that measures the level of enzyme activity in a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.Myeloproliferative disorder — A disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many cells too rapidly.Myelosuppressive therapy — Any form of treatment that is aimed at slowing down the rate of blood cell production.Orphan drug — A drug that is known to be useful in treatment but lacks sufficient funding for further research and development.Philadelphia chromosome — An abnormal chromosome that is found in patients with a chronic form of leukemia but not in PV patients.Phlebotomy — Drawing blood from a patient's vein as part of diagnosis or therapy. Phlebotomy is sometimes called venesection. It is an important part of the treatment of PV.Pruritus — An itching sensation or feeling. In PV the itching is not confined to a specific part of the body and is usually worse after a warm bath or shower.Spent phase — A late development in PV leading to failure of the bone marrow and severe anemia.Splenomegaly — Abnormal enlargement of the spleen. Splenomegaly is a major diagnostic criterion of PV.

Prognosis

The prognosis for untreated polycythemia vera is poor; 50% of patients die within 18 months after diagnosis. Death usually results from heart failure, leukemia, or hemorrhage. Patients being treated for PV can expect to live between 11 and 15 years on average after diagnosis.

Resources

Organizations

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105. (301) 251-1222. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov.National Organization for Rare Disorders. P.O. Box 8923, New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923. (800) 999-6673. http://www.rarediseases.org.

pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra

[MIM*263300] a chronic form of polycythemia of unknown cause; characterized by bone marrow hyperplasia, an increase in blood volume as well as in the number of red blood cells, redness or cyanosis of the skin, and splenomegaly. Synonym(s): erythremia, Osler disease, Osler-Vaquez disease, polycythemia rubra vera, polycythemia rubra, Vaquez disease

polycythemia vera

(vîr′ə)n. Chronic polycythemia caused by a genetic mutation affecting hematopoietic stem cells, characterized by increased blood volume, bone marrow hyperplasia, redness of the skin, and splenic enlargement.

polycythemia vera

Hyperglobulinemia, polycythemia rubra vera, primary polycythemia Hem/onc A chronic myeloproliferation due to the expansion of abnormal pluripotent stem cell with ↑ erythropoietin-independent erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis Clinical More common in ♂, rarely < age 40, hyperviscosity, ↑ risk of stroke or acute MI, more common in Jews, indolent but may progress to AML Lab ↑ Leukocyte alk phos, ↑ platelets, basophils, ↑ vitamin B_12, vitamin B₁₂ binding capacity–transcobalamin I and III, ↓ erythropoietin and stainable iron in BM, myelofibrosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis; in PV, erythropoietin is ↓ to ±2.1 U/L Prognosis 15-20% resolve in a so-called 'spent' phase with marrow fibrosis; 40% die of thrombosis and hemorrhage; others are at ↑ risk of myeloproliferative disease; 5-15% of Pts develop acute leukemia or myeloid metaplasia, or less commonly, AML FAB-M6 Diagnosis PV requires that either all of 'A' criteria are present or 2 'A' criteria and 2 'B' criteria are present Management Simple phlebotomy yields a 14-yr survival; hydroxyurea may be used for long-term treatment Polycythemia vera A Clinical A1 ↑ RBC mass–♂ > 36 ml/kg, ♀ > 32 mg/kg A2 Arterial O₂ saturation > 92%–near normal A3 Splenomegaly–present in 75% B Laboratory B1 Thrombocytosis > 400 x 10⁹/L–most cases B2 Leukocytosis > 12 x 10⁹/L, without fever or infection B3 ↑ Alk phos B4 ↑ Vitamin B₁₂ > 666 pmol/L–US > 900 pg/ml

pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra

(pol'ē-sī-thē'mē-ă vēr'ă) A chronic form of polycythemia of unknown cause; characterized by bone marrow hyperplasia, an increase in blood volume as well as in the number of red blood cells, redness or cyanosis of the skin, and splenomegaly.
Synonym(s): erythremia, Osler disease, Osler-Vaquez disease, polycythemia rubra, Vaquez disease.

POLYCYTHEMIA VERA: peripheral blood smear in polycythemia vera (X 400)

POLYCYTHEMIA VERA

polycythemia vera

A chronic, life-shortening myeloproliferative disorder due to the reproduction of a single stem-cell clone. It is characterized by proliferation or hyperplasia of all bone marrow cells, with an increase in red blood cell mass and hemoglobin concentration that occurs independently of erythropoietin stimulation. Synonym: erythremiaillustration;

Symptoms

Usually occurring between ages 40 and 60 and most common in males with Jewish ancestry, polycythemia seldom affects children or those of African ancestry. Weakness, fatigue, headache, blood clotting, vertigo, tinnitus, irritability, dyspnea, visual disturbances, flushing of face, redness, or ruddy cyanosis, pruritus, ecchymosis, hypertension, epigastric distress, weight loss, and pain in joints or extremities occur commonly. The bone marrow shows uncontrolled, rapid cellular reproduction and maturation (increased cellularity). Peptic ulcers are often reported.

Treatment

The mainstay of patient care is the reduction in red blood cell mass with recurrent phlebotomy to lower the hematocrit to 45% or less. Vitals signs are monitored during and after phlebotomy, and the patient is provided with oral fluids and protected from orthostatic hypotension. The symptoms and the need to seek medical attention when signs and symptoms of bleeding and thrombus formation occur are explained to the patient. Rest should be balanced with exercise, but the patient should be advised that activity and ambulation help prevent thrombotic complications. Reassurance and support are provided to the patient and family, and opportunities are provided for questions and discussion of concerns. Patients who have a history of blood clotting or very high platelet counts are treated with myelosuppressive drugs, such as hydroxyurea. During myelosuppressive therapy the patient is informed about adverse effects that may occur, assessed for leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, and protective measures are taught and instituted.

illustrationSee also: polycythemia

Osler,

Sir William, Canadian physician in U.S. and England, 1849-1919. Osler disease - a chronic form of polycythemia. Synonym(s): polycythemia veraOsler node - a tender cutaneous lesion characteristic of subacute bacterial endocarditis.Osler sign - in acute bacterial endocarditis, circumscribed painful erythematous swelling in the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the hands and feet.Osler II syndrome - recurrent episodes of colic pain. Synonym(s): ball-valve gallstoneOsler triadRendu-Osler-Weber syndrome - see under Rendu

Vaquez,

Louis H., French physician, 1860-1936. Vaquez disease - a chronic form of polycythemia characterized by bone marrow hyperplasia. Synonym(s): polycythemia vera

pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra

(pol'ē-sī-thē'mē-ă vēr'ă) [MIM*263300] Chronic form of polycythemia of unknown cause.
Synonym(s): polycythemia rubra.

单词	polycythemia vera
释义	DictionarySeepolycythemia Polycythemia Vera polycythemia vera [‚päl·i‚sī′thē·mē·ə ′vir·ə] (medicine) An absolute increase in all blood cells derived from bone marrow, especially erythrocytes. Polycythemia Vera (also erythremia, Vaquez’ disease), a chronic disease of the hematopoietic system first described by the French physician L. H. Vaquez in 1892. Polycythemia vera is characterized by an increase in erythrocyte, leukocyte, and platelet mass and in plasma volume. It is classified as a form of leukemia. The course of the disease is comparatively benign. The principal symptoms are a dark red coloration of the skin, elevated blood pressure, proneness to hemorrhaging and thrombosis, and enlargement of the spleen. Cytological analysis of bone marrow is an important aid in diagnosis. Treatment includes phlebotomy and the administration of cytostatics. REFERENCE Vorob’ev, A. I., M. D. Brilliant. Patogenez i terapiia leikozov. Moscow, 1976. polycythemia vera Polycythemia Vera Definition Polycythemia vera (PV) is a chronic blood disorder marked by an abnormal increase in three types of blood cells produced by bone marrow: red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. PV is called a myeloproliferative disorder, which means that the bone marrow is producing too many cells too quickly. Most of the symptoms of PV are related to the increased volume of the patient's blood and its greater thickness (high viscosity). PV sometimes evolves into a different myeloproliferative disorder or into acute leukemia. Description Polycythemia vera is a relatively common progressive disorder that develops over a course of 10-20 years. In the United States, PV affects about one person in every 200,000. PV has several other names, including splenomegalic polycythemia, Vaquez-Osler syndrome, erythremia, and primary polycythemia. Primary polycythemia means that the disorder is not caused or triggered by other illnesses. PV most commonly affects middle-aged adults. It is rarely seen in children or young adults and does not appear to run in families. The male/female ratio is 2:1.Risk factors for polycythemia vera include: Caucasian race male sex age between 40 and 60 Causes and symptoms The cause of PV remains uncertain. In general, the increased mass of red blood cells in the patient's blood causes both hemorrhage and abnormal formation of blood clots in the circulatory system (thrombosis). The reasons for these changes in clotting patterns are not yet fully understood. Early symptoms The symptoms of early PV may be minimal—it is not unusual for the disorder to be discovered during a routine blood test. More often, however, patients have symptoms that include headaches, ringing in the ears, tiring easily, memory problems, difficulty breathing, giddiness or lightheadedness, hypertension, visual problems, or tingling or burning sensations in their hands or feet. Another common symptom is itching (pruritus). Pruritus related to PV is often worse after the patient takes a warm bath or shower.Some patients' early symptoms include unusually heavy bleeding from minor cuts, nosebleeds, stomach ulcers, or bone pain. In a few cases, the first symptom is the development of blood clots in an unusual part of the circulatory system (e.g., the liver). Later symptoms and complications As the disease progresses, patients with PV may have episodes of hemorrhage or thrombosis. Thrombosis is the most frequent cause of death from PV. Other complications include a high level of uric acid in the blood and an increased risk of peptic ulcer disease. About 10% of PV patients eventually develop gout; another 10% develop peptic ulcers. Spent phase The spent phase is a development in late PV that affects about 30% of patients. The bone marrow eventually fails and the patient becomes severely anemic, requiring repeated blood transfusions. The spleen and liver become greatly enlarged—in the later stages of PV, the patient's spleen may fill the entire left side of the abdomen. Diagnosis Physical examination PV is often a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that the doctor will first rule out other possible causes of the patient's symptoms. The doctor can detect some signs of the disorder during a physical examination. Patients with PV will have an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly) in 75% of cases. About 50% will have a slightly enlarged liver. The doctor can feel these changes when he or she presses on (palpates) the patient's abdomen while the patient is lying flat. An eye examination will usually reveal swollen veins at the back of the eye. Patients with PV often have unusually red complexions; mottled red patches on their legs, feet, or hands; or swelling at the ends of the fingers. Diagnostic criteria for pv Accurate diagnosis of PV is critical because its treatment may require the use of drugs with the potential to cause leukemia. The results of the patient's blood tests are evaluated according to criteria worked out around 1970 by the Polycythemia Vera Study Group. The patient is considered to have PV if all three major criteria are met; or if the first two major criteria and any two minor criteria are met.Major criteria: red blood cell mass greater than 36 mL/kg in males, greater than 32 mL/kg in females arterial oxygen level greater than 92% splenomegaly Minor criteria: platelet count greater than 400,000/mm³ WBC greater than 12,000/mm³ without fever or infection leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) score greater than 100 with increased blood serum levels of vitamin B₁₂ Laboratory testing BLOOD TESTS. The diagnosis of PV depends on a set of findings from blood tests. The most important single measurement is the patient's red blood cell mass as a proportion of the total blood volume. This measurement is made by tagging RBCs with radioactive chromium (⁵¹Cr) in order to determine the patient's RBC volume. While a few patients with PV may have a red cell mass level within the normal range if they have had recent heavy bleeding, a high score may eliminate the need for some other tests. A score higher than 36 mL/kg for males and 32 mL/kg for females on the ⁵¹Cr test suggests PV. Measurements of the oxygen level in the patient's arterial blood, of the concentration of vitamin B₁₂ in the blood serum, and of leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) staining can be used to distinguish PV from certain types of leukemia or from other types of polycythemia. LAP staining measures the intensity of enzyme activity in a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. In PV, the LAP score is higher than normal whereas in leukemia it is below normal.BONE MARROW TESTS. Bone marrow testing can be used as part of the diagnostic process. A sample of marrow can be cultured to see if red blood cell colonies develop without the addition of a hormone that stimulates RBC production. The growth of a cell colony without added hormone indicates PV. Bone marrow testing is also important in monitoring the progress of the disease, particularly during the spent phase.GENETIC TESTING. Genetic testing can be used to rule out the possibility of chronic myeloid leukemia. Patients with this disease have a characteristic chromosomal abnormality called the Philadelphia chromosome. The Philadelphia chromosome does not occur in patients with PV. Imaging studies Imaging studies are not necessary to make the diagnosis of PV. In some cases, however, imaging studies can detect enlargement of the spleen that the doctor may not be able to feel during the physical examination. Treatment Treatment of PV is tailored to the individual patient according to his or her age, the severity of the symptoms and complications, and the stage of the disease. Phlebotomy Phlebotomy is the withdrawal of blood from a vein. It is the first line of treatment for patients with PV. Phlebotomy is used to bring down the ratio of red blood cells to fluid volume (the hematocrit) in the patient's blood to a level below 45%. In most cases the doctor will withdraw about 500 mL of blood (about 15 fluid ounces) once or twice a week until the hematocrit is low enough. Phlebotomy is considered the best course of treatment for patients younger than 60 and for women of childbearing age. Its drawback is that patients remain at some risk for either thrombosis or hemorrhage. Myelosuppression Myelosuppressive therapies are used to slow down the body's production of blood cells. They are given to patients who are older than 60 and at high risk for thrombosis. These therapies, however, increase the patient's risk of developing leukemia. The substances most frequently used as of 1998 include hydroxyurea (Hydrea), interferon alfa (Intron), or radioactive phosphorus (³²P). ³²P is used only in elderly patients with life expectancies of less than five years because it causes leukemia in about 10% of patients. Interferon alfa is expensive and causes side effects resembling the symptoms of influenza but is an option for some younger PV patients. Investigational treatment The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of anagrelide, an orphan drug, for investigational use in the treatment of PV. Anagrelide has moderate side effects and controls the platelet level in over 90% of patients. Treatment of complications The itching caused by PV is often difficult to control. Patients with pruritus are given diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or another antihistamine. Patients with high levels of uric acid are usually given allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim) by mouth. Supportive care includes advice about diet—splenomegaly often makes patients feel full after eating only a little food. This problem can be minimized by advising patients to eat small meals followed by rest periods.Because of the clotting problems related to PV, patients should not undergo surgery until their blood counts are close to normal levels. Female patients of childbearing age should be warned about the dangers of pregnancy related to their clotting abnormalities. Key terms Anagrelide — An orphan drug that is approved for treating PV patients on an investigational basis. Anagrelide works by controlling the level of platelets in the blood.Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) test — A blood test that measures the level of enzyme activity in a type of white blood cell called neutrophils.Myeloproliferative disorder — A disorder in which the bone marrow produces too many cells too rapidly.Myelosuppressive therapy — Any form of treatment that is aimed at slowing down the rate of blood cell production.Orphan drug — A drug that is known to be useful in treatment but lacks sufficient funding for further research and development.Philadelphia chromosome — An abnormal chromosome that is found in patients with a chronic form of leukemia but not in PV patients.Phlebotomy — Drawing blood from a patient's vein as part of diagnosis or therapy. Phlebotomy is sometimes called venesection. It is an important part of the treatment of PV.Pruritus — An itching sensation or feeling. In PV the itching is not confined to a specific part of the body and is usually worse after a warm bath or shower.Spent phase — A late development in PV leading to failure of the bone marrow and severe anemia.Splenomegaly — Abnormal enlargement of the spleen. Splenomegaly is a major diagnostic criterion of PV. Prognosis The prognosis for untreated polycythemia vera is poor; 50% of patients die within 18 months after diagnosis. Death usually results from heart failure, leukemia, or hemorrhage. Patients being treated for PV can expect to live between 11 and 15 years on average after diagnosis. Resources Organizations National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105. (301) 251-1222. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov.National Organization for Rare Disorders. P.O. Box 8923, New Fairfield, CT 06812-8923. (800) 999-6673. http://www.rarediseases.org. pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra [MIM263300] a chronic form of polycythemia of unknown cause; characterized by bone marrow hyperplasia, an increase in blood volume as well as in the number of red blood cells, redness or cyanosis of the skin, and splenomegaly. Synonym(s): erythremia, Osler disease, Osler-Vaquez disease, polycythemia rubra vera, polycythemia rubra, Vaquez disease polycythemia vera (vîr′ə)n. Chronic polycythemia caused by a genetic mutation affecting hematopoietic stem cells, characterized by increased blood volume, bone marrow hyperplasia, redness of the skin, and splenic enlargement. polycythemia vera Hyperglobulinemia, polycythemia rubra vera, primary polycythemia Hem/onc A chronic myeloproliferation due to the expansion of abnormal pluripotent stem cell with ↑ erythropoietin-independent erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis Clinical More common in ♂, rarely < age 40, hyperviscosity, ↑ risk of stroke or acute MI, more common in Jews, indolent but may progress to AML Lab ↑ Leukocyte alk phos, ↑ platelets, basophils, ↑ vitamin B_12, vitamin B₁₂ binding capacity–transcobalamin I and III, ↓ erythropoietin and stainable iron in BM, myelofibrosis, extramedullary hematopoiesis; in PV, erythropoietin is ↓ to ±2.1 U/L Prognosis 15-20% resolve in a so-called 'spent' phase with marrow fibrosis; 40% die of thrombosis and hemorrhage; others are at ↑ risk of myeloproliferative disease; 5-15% of Pts develop acute leukemia or myeloid metaplasia, or less commonly, AML FAB-M6 Diagnosis PV requires that either all of 'A' criteria are present or 2 'A' criteria and 2 'B' criteria are present Management Simple phlebotomy yields a 14-yr survival; hydroxyurea may be used for long-term treatment Polycythemia vera* A Clinical A1 ↑ RBC mass–♂ > 36 ml/kg, ♀ > 32 mg/kg A2 Arterial O₂ saturation > 92%–near normal A3 Splenomegaly–present in 75% B Laboratory B1 Thrombocytosis > 400 x 10⁹/L–most cases B2 Leukocytosis > 12 x 10⁹/L, without fever or infection B3 ↑ Alk phos B4 ↑ Vitamin B₁₂ > 666 pmol/L–US > 900 pg/ml pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra (pol'ē-sī-thē'mē-ă vēr'ă) A chronic form of polycythemia of unknown cause; characterized by bone marrow hyperplasia, an increase in blood volume as well as in the number of red blood cells, redness or cyanosis of the skin, and splenomegaly. Synonym(s): erythremia, Osler disease, Osler-Vaquez disease, polycythemia rubra, Vaquez disease. POLYCYTHEMIA VERA: peripheral blood smear in polycythemia vera (X 400)POLYCYTHEMIA VERA polycythemia vera A chronic, life-shortening myeloproliferative disorder due to the reproduction of a single stem-cell clone. It is characterized by proliferation or hyperplasia of all bone marrow cells, with an increase in red blood cell mass and hemoglobin concentration that occurs independently of erythropoietin stimulation. Synonym: erythremiaillustration; Symptoms Usually occurring between ages 40 and 60 and most common in males with Jewish ancestry, polycythemia seldom affects children or those of African ancestry. Weakness, fatigue, headache, blood clotting, vertigo, tinnitus, irritability, dyspnea, visual disturbances, flushing of face, redness, or ruddy cyanosis, pruritus, ecchymosis, hypertension, epigastric distress, weight loss, and pain in joints or extremities occur commonly. The bone marrow shows uncontrolled, rapid cellular reproduction and maturation (increased cellularity). Peptic ulcers are often reported. Treatment The mainstay of patient care is the reduction in red blood cell mass with recurrent phlebotomy to lower the hematocrit to 45% or less. Vitals signs are monitored during and after phlebotomy, and the patient is provided with oral fluids and protected from orthostatic hypotension. The symptoms and the need to seek medical attention when signs and symptoms of bleeding and thrombus formation occur are explained to the patient. Rest should be balanced with exercise, but the patient should be advised that activity and ambulation help prevent thrombotic complications. Reassurance and support are provided to the patient and family, and opportunities are provided for questions and discussion of concerns. Patients who have a history of blood clotting or very high platelet counts are treated with myelosuppressive drugs, such as hydroxyurea. During myelosuppressive therapy the patient is informed about adverse effects that may occur, assessed for leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, and protective measures are taught and instituted. illustrationSee also: polycythemia Osler, Sir William, Canadian physician in U.S. and England, 1849-1919. Osler disease - a chronic form of polycythemia. Synonym(s): polycythemia veraOsler node - a tender cutaneous lesion characteristic of subacute bacterial endocarditis.Osler sign - in acute bacterial endocarditis, circumscribed painful erythematous swelling in the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the hands and feet.Osler II syndrome - recurrent episodes of colic pain. Synonym(s): ball-valve gallstoneOsler triadRendu-Osler-Weber syndrome - see under Rendu Vaquez, Louis H., French physician, 1860-1936. Vaquez disease - a chronic form of polycythemia characterized by bone marrow hyperplasia. Synonym(s): polycythemia vera pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra (pol'ē-sī-thē'mē-ă vēr'ă) [MIM*263300] Chronic form of polycythemia of unknown cause. Synonym(s): polycythemia rubra. AcronymsSeePV
随便看	cetti's warblers cettp cettr cetu cetuc cetur cetus cetusa cetus-ben venue therapeutics cetus cnotepad cetus (constellation) cetus constellation cetus cwordpad cetuximab cetv cetve cetw cetycw cetyl cetyl alcohol cetylic cetylic alcohol cetyl palmitate cetylpiridinium chloride cetylpyridinium

Polycythemia Vera

polycythemia vera

Polycythemia Vera

REFERENCE

polycythemia vera

Polycythemia Vera

Definition

Description

Causes and symptoms

Early symptoms

Later symptoms and complications

Spent phase

Diagnosis

Physical examination

Diagnostic criteria for pv

Laboratory testing

Imaging studies

Treatment

Phlebotomy

Myelosuppression

Investigational treatment

Treatment of complications

Key terms

Prognosis

Resources

Organizations

pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra

polycythemia vera

polycythemia vera

pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra

polycythemia vera

Symptoms

Treatment

Osler,

Vaquez,

pol·y·cy·the·mi·a ve·ra