Polycythaemia Flashcards

1
Q

What is polycythaemia? (3)

A

Increase in Hb, PCV (packed cell volume) and RBCs

Blood is thicker and less able to travel through blood vessels and organs

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2
Q

What are the causes of primary polycythaemia? (2)

A

Increased sensitivity of bone marrow cells to EPO —> increased RBC production

  • Congenital polycythaemia
  • Polycythaemia rubra vera (mutation in JAK2 gene)
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3
Q

What are the symptoms of polycythaemia? (5)

A
Asymptomatic
Red, itchy skin
SOB
Headaches
Dizziness
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4
Q

What are the investigations for polycythaemia? (3)

A

FBC
Bone marrow biopsy
Genetic tensing for JAK2 gene

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5
Q

What is the treatment for polycythaemia? (2)

A

Polycythaemia rubra vera = bloodletting, aspirin

Secondary = treat the cause

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6
Q

What are the causes of secondary polycythaemia? (3)

A

More EPO and thus more RBCs

  • Chronic hypoxia
  • Poor oxygen delivery (eg high altitude)
  • Tumours which release high levels of EPO
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