Polycythemia Vera
Alternate Names : Cryptogenic Polycythemia, Erythremia, Erythrocytosis Megalosplenica, Myeloproliferative Disorder, Osler's Disease, Polycythemia Rubra Vera, Polycythemia with Chronic Cyanosis - Myelopathic Polycythemia, Primary Polycythemia, Splenomegalic Polycythemia, Vaquez's Disease
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Polycythemia Vera Treatment
The objective of treatment is to reduce the high blood viscosity (thickness of the blood) due to the increased red blood cell mass and to prevent hemorrhage and thrombosis.
Phlebotomy is one method used to reduce the high blood viscosity. In phlebotomy, 1 unit (pint) of blood is removed weekly until the hematocrit is less than 45, then phlebotomy is continued as necessary.
Occasionally, chemotherapy may be given to suppress the bone marrow.
The use of anti-platelet therapy (such as aspirin) is controversial because it may cause gastric bleeding.
Allopurinol is given for hyperuricemia (gout).
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