(Raised) Haemoglobin

Question 1

how can polycythemia (true erythrocytosis) be defined in terms of hb and hct?

Answer 1

Increased levels of Hb and Hct = increased no.of RBCs

The percentage of plasma decreases

Question 2

what are the clinical risk(s) of having a primary polycythemia (true erythrocytosis)?

Answer 2

blood is thicker ⇒ increased risk of thrombosis ⇒ can cause blood clots

PE, DVT, MI, stroke

Question 3

Clinical symptoms of erythrocytosis / polycythemia?

Answer 3

Headaches
Confusion
Trouble sleeping
Weakness and fatigue

High blood pressure.
Night sweats.
Unexplained weight loss.
Severe pain, swelling and tenderness in your joints (gout).
frequent bleeding
bruising
Itchy skin (worse after warm water applied)
Tingling feeling in your arms, legs, hands or feet.
Burning and redness, especially in your face, hands or feet

Question 4

Two main types of absolute polycythaemia/erythrocytosis?

Answer 4

primary erythrocytosis–intrinsic overactivity of red cells produced by the bone marrow ⇒ too many RBCs

secondary erythrocytosis–an underlying condition causes more erythropoietin to be produced ⇒ too many red blood cells

Question 5

Example of primary and secondary erthrocytosis?

Answer 5

primary - polycythemia vera

seconary - COPD (increased EPO as not enough oxygen reaching bodys tissues)

kidney issues - narrowing of arteries supplying blood to kidneys

Question 6

what is apparent polycythemia?

Answer 6

the volume of red blood cells is the same but the ratio has changed due to the loss of plasma

Question 7

Causes of apparent polycythemia?

Answer 7

• dehydration
• overweight
• smoking
• alcohol excess
• medications e.g diuretics