POLYCYTHEMIACAUSES | SYMPTOMS | DIAGNOSIS |

TREATMENTS

WHAT IS POLYCYTHEMIA Polycythemia is a blood disorder in which the

body produces too many blood cells as a result of a problem with the bone marrow or an increased production of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO).

Polycythemia is defined as an increase in the hemoglobin above normal.

Often patients with polycythemia are detected through an incidental finding of elevated hemoglobin or hematocrit levels.

Concern that the hemoglobin level may be abnormally high is usually triggered at 170 g/L for men and 150 g/L for women. Hematrocrit levels >50% in men or >45% in women may be normal.

CAUSES OF POLYCYTHEMIA

The most common cause of Polycythemia is genetic. The patient of Polycythemia may have inherited a gene called, JAK2, the function of this gene is to keep the production of red blood cells and other blood cells under control.  However, the exact cause of Polycythemia is not known. Here are some of the common conditions that may increase the chance of Polycythemia: 

CONTINUE:- CAUSES OF POLYCYTHEMIA

Heart failure  Lack of blood flow in the kidneys  Hypertension  Sleep apnea  Pulmonary disease Placental insufficiency during pregnancy PIH Congenital hypothyroidism Maternal smoking Post date Newborn Maternal diabetes

SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYTHEMIAThe symptoms of Polycythemia can be easily treated if, detected early. No proper treatment of Polycythemia in it early stage can lead to fatal complications in future. 

Symptoms of early Polycythemia

Weakness  Weight loss  Headache  Swelling in joints  Dizziness  Itchiness

SYMPTOMS OF POLYCYTHEMIASymptoms of Polycythemia if left

untreated in early stage

Heart attack Stroke  Deep vein thrombosis  Loss of blood supply to brain  Internal bleeding

DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYTHEMIA The most common method of diagnosing

Polycythemia is a blood test. A doctor may refer a blood test known as CBC (Complete Blood Count).

A complete blood test is performed by taking blood samples from the patient’s vein. The complete blood test (CBC) evaluates the amount of red blood cells, white blood cells and blood platelets.

Bone marrow biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of bone marrow generally taken from the back of your hipbone is observed under medical supervision.

TREATMENTS OF POLYCYTHEMIA Phlebotomy- In this procedure the excess blood in

the patients’ body is removed from their vein, to make present blood less thick so it can flow better. 

The specialised treatment of Polycythemia involves using, Hydroxyurea and interferon alpha. These medicines, suppresses the risk of blood clots by reducing the excessive production of red blood cells. However, the patient’s of thyroid and mental disorders are, advised not to take interferon alpha.

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