Polycythemia vera

Question 1

What is polycythemia vera?

Answer 1

Happens due to uncontrolled proliferation of erythoid cells

This can progress and transform into acute myloid leukemia

it is associated with mutations in these genes:
JAK2
MPL
CALR

Question 2

symptoms of polycythemia vera?

Answer 2

Fatigue
weight loss
night sweats
fever

Question 3

signs of polycythemia vera?

Answer 3

Conjuctival plethora
A ruddy complexion ( red face)
Splenomegaly

Question 4

Diagnose polycythemia vera?

Answer 4

bone marrow biopsy will be done

gene testing for mutation in JAK2 gene will be done as well

Question 5

Management of polycythemia vera?

Answer 5

First line - venesection can keep haemoglobin in normal range

Aspirin to reduce risk of blood clots

Chemotherapy to control the disease.

Question 6

Management of polycythemia vera?

Answer 6

First line - venesection can keep haemoglobin in normal range

Aspirin to reduce risk of blood clots

Chemotherapy to control the disease.