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
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)
3
Q
What are the symptoms of polycythaemia? (5)
A
Asymptomatic Red, itchy skin SOB Headaches Dizziness
4
Q
What are the investigations for polycythaemia? (3)
A
FBC
Bone marrow biopsy
Genetic tensing for JAK2 gene
5
Q
What is the treatment for polycythaemia? (2)
A
Polycythaemia rubra vera = bloodletting, aspirin
Secondary = treat the cause
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