Myeloproliferative disorders Flashcards
what is the first line treatment for polycythaemia vera?
venesection
describe the presentation of myelofibrosis.
elderly with symptoms of anaemia e.g. fatigue
splenomegaly
hypermetabolic symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats
what laboratory features are suggestive of polycythaemia vera?
raised RBC
raised haematocrit
raised basophils and neutrophils
raised platelets
low ESR
raised leukocyte alkaline phosophatase
what feature on bone marrow biospy would you expect in myelofibrosis?
‘dry tap’ on aspiration so require trephine biopsy
tear shaped poikilocytes
what features on FBC would you expect in myelofibrosis?
low RBC
elevated platelets and WCC
describe the presentation of essential thrombocytosis.
classical burning sensation of hands
thrombosis and/or haemorrhage
what is the treatment for essential thrombocytosis?
hydroxycarbamide
interferon alpha in young patients
low dose aspirin
what is the main complication of polycythaemia and ET?
progression to AML or myelofibrosis
