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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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- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
- Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD - Pediatric)
- Memory Loss
| • | Study of Everest Climbers Questions Oxygen Use - Jan 07, 2009, 17:00
Whether low levels would work for ER patients with hypoxia remains unclear. |
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• Definition
• Polycythemia Vera Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
• Polycythemia Vera Symptoms & Signs
• Polycythemia Vera Diagnosis & Tests
• Polycythemia Vera Treatment
• Polycythemia Vera Prognosis
• Polycythemia Vera Complications
• Calling Your Health Care Provider
• Pictures & Images
Topics that might be of interest to you Diseases & Conditions
• Acute Gouty Arthritis
• Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML) - Adult
• Blood Clots
• Heart Attack
• Heart Failure
• Peptic Ulcer
• Primary Myelofibrosis
• Stroke
• Thrombophlebitis
Tests & Exams
• Blood Differential
• Bone Marrow Biopsy
• CBC
• CHEM-20
• Erythropoietin
• ESR
• Hematocrit (HCT)
• Hemoglobin
• LDH
• Leukocyte Alkaline Phosphatase (LAP)
• Platelet Aggregation Test
• Platelet Count
• RBC Count
• TIBC
• Urinalysis
• Vitamin B-12 Level
• WBC Count
Other Topics
• Breathing Difficulty
• Breathing Difficulty - Lying Down
• Chemotherapy
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Itching
• Skin Discoloration - Bluish
• Vision Problems
Review Date : 5/10/2002
Reviewed By : William Matsui, M.D., Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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