Polycythaemia Flashcards

1
Q

What is Polycythaemia?

A

There are 2 main types: primary polycythaemia – there’s a problem in the cells produced by the bone marrow that become red blood cells; the most common type is known as polycythaemia vera (PV) secondary polycythaemia – too many red blood cells are produced as the result of an underlying condition (e.g. lung disease, hypoventilation, diuretics, COPD or performing enhancing drugs)

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2
Q

What are the Risk Factors of polycythaemia vera?

A

Vera = philadelphia chromosome mutation

Age > 40
Budd Chiari Syndrome

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3
Q

What are the signs and symptoms of polycythaemia v?

A
> Features of Thrombosis
> features of haemorrhage
> asymptomatic
> headache
> generalised weakness/fatigue
> pruritus
> erythromelalgia
> redness of fingers, palms, toes, heels
> facial redness
> splenomegaly
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4
Q

What is the epidemiology of polycythaemia v?

A

Two estimates suggest a prevalence of 30 to 35 cases per 100,000.

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5
Q

What investigations should you do for polycythaemia v?

A

FBC ( high Hb and hct, high EBC and plt, low MCV)
LFTs (normal)
JAK2 gene mutation screen (pos)

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