Polycythemia vera

Question 1

Important risk factor for Polycythemia vera?

Answer 1

Hypertension

Question 2

The pathophysiology of Polycythemia vera starts with?

Answer 2

mutation in the JAK2 gene (gain of function)

Question 3

Patients with polycythemia vera are at increased risk of ?

Answer 3

thrombosis and bleeding

Question 4

Suspect polycythemia vera in Individuals with

Answer 4

Elevated hemoglobin and/or hematocrit

Question 5

what is the level of EPO in p.vera, usually ?

Answer 5

Increased

An elevated or normal EPO in an individual with increased RBCs suggests secondary polycythemia rather than polycythemia vera.

In patients with PV, an elevated RBC mass should decrease EPO levels; however, a normal EPO does not rule out polycythemia vera.

Question 6

What is the Oxygen saturation (SaO2) in P.vera ?

Answer 6

Normal

Question 7

What is the treatment approach for P.vera patients ?

Answer 7

Regular therapeutic phlebotomy PLUS low-dose aspirin