Polycythaemia Flashcards
1
Q
Define polycythaemia
A
an increase in haemoglobin concentration above the upper limit of normal for a person’s age and sex
2
Q
what is the first differentiation one must make when looking at polycythaemia?
A
is it Relative Polycythaemia or absolute polycythaemia
3
Q
what are the categories of true polycythaemia?
A
- Polycythaemia Rubra Vera (primary)
* Secondary Polycythaemia
4
Q
what is the main cause of Polycythaemia Rubra Vera ?
A
JAK2 mutation
5
Q
what are appropriate rises in erythropoietin?
A
- Due to chronic hypoxia
* (e.g. COPD, living at high altitude)
6
Q
what are inappropriate rises in erythropoietin?
A
- Renal (carcinoma, cysts, hydronephrosis)
- Cerebellar haemangioma
- erythropoietin abuse by athletes
7
Q
presenting symptoms of polycythaemia?
A
- Pruritis after hot bath
- Headaches
- Dyspnoea
- Tinnitus
- Blurred vision
8
Q
major signs of polycythaemia?
A
- Splenomegaly
- Plethoric complexion
- Scratch marks from itching
9
Q
investigations for polycythaemia rubra?
A
- JAK2 mutation
2. Red cell mass
10
Q
how to differentiate between primary and secondary ?
A
check the EPO
primary = low
secondary = high
