Polycythemia by dr magdi sasi 2014

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DETAILED APPROACH TO POLYCYTHEMIA 2014 DR MAGDI AWAD SASI
PRV POLYCYTHEMIA RUBRA VERA
Is an acquired myeloproliferative disorder that causes over production of all
three hematopiotic cell lines, most prominent red blood cells.
HCT is elevated ˃54% male, ˃ 51%Female
When HCT increased, red blood cell mass should be measured to check whether
primary (( where it is increased )) or secondary (( where it is normal)).
RED CELL MASS 26----34 ml/kg MEN
21----29 ml/kg WOMEN
If RCM INCREASED , DETERMINE WHETHER 1RY OR 2RY.
Polycythemia rubra vera “PRV”:
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a stem cell disorder characterized as a
panhyperplastic, malignant, and neoplastic marrow disorder. Its most
prominent feature is an elevated absolute red blood cell mass because of
uncontrolled red blood cell production. This is accompanied by increased
white blood cell (myeloid) and platelet (megakaryocytic) production, which
is due to an abnormal clone of the hematopoietic stem cells with increased
sensitivity to the different growth factors for maturation
Autonomus over production of erythroid cells
Independent of erythropiotein as the S .Erythropiotein is low
Median age 60 year , rare les than 40 year
It is a relatively common disorder
Pathophysiology
A. Excessive Red Blood Cell production (erythrocytosis)
B. Results in increased blood viscosity and Blood Volume
C. Ultimately results in thrombosis
Epidemiology
Frequency
United States
Polycythemia vera (PV) is relatively rare, occurring in 0.6-1.6 persons per million
population.

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Race
Originally, Jewish persons were thought to have a higher predilection for
polycythemia vera than members of other ethnic groups. Subsequently, however,
many studies have shown that this condition occurs in all ethnic groups.
Sex
Polycythemia vera has no sex predilection, although the Polycythemia Vera Study
Group (PVSG) found that slightly more males than females are affected.
Age
The peak incidence of polycythemia vera is age 50-70 years. However, this
condition occurs in persons of all age groups, including early adulthood and
childhood, albeit rarely.
CLINICAL FEATURES:
Triad of HYPERVISCOSITY, HYPERVOLEMIA, HYPERMETABOLISM.
Characterized by:
HTN ----1/3 of cases
Gout
Peptic ulceration --- 5-10%
DVT
Symptoms of polycythemia vera (PV) are often insidious in onset, and they
are often related to blood hyperviscosity secondary to a marked increase in the
cellular elements of blood. Subsequent sludging of blood flow and thrombosis
lead to poor oxygen delivery with symptoms of ischemia of central nervous
system , cardiovascular system and peripheral symptoms.
A. Most patients present with symptoms related to expanded ( RBC &
PLASMA ) blood volume and increased blood viscosity.
Common complaints ---Cerebral Circulation Impairment and coronary:
1. Headache
2. Tinnitus
3. Dizziness
4. Visual disturbance

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5. Transient Ischemic Attack symptoms
6. Paresthesias
7. Angina pectoris
8. Intermittent claudication
B. Generalized pruritis ; especially following a warm shower or bath ;may be
striking symptom with dyspnea and night sweats. It is a classical symptom.
Itching is present in approximately 40% of patients with polycythemia vera
Cause ----histamine release from increase number of basophil and mast
cells or prostaglandin production.
B. Patients may also initially complain of bleeding ----- seen in approximately
1% of patients with PV, include epistaxis, gum bleeding, ecchymoses, and
gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding.
Cause of Epistaxis ----engorgement of mucosal blood vessels AND
abnormal hemostasis due to qualitative abnormalities in platelet function.
C. Thrombosis –
Patients with polycythemia vera are prone to the development of blood
clots (thrombosis). A major thrombotic complication (e.g. heart
attack, stroke, deep venous thrombosis, or Budd-Chiari syndrome) may
sometimes be the first symptom or indication that a person has
polycythemia vera . This occurs at a rate of (1%) including venous
thrombosis or thromboembolism and an increased prevalence of stroke
and other arterial thromboses.
It is the most common complication of PRV(major cause of morbidity
&death) and it Appears to be related to increase viscosity and abnormal
platelet.
Uncontrolled platelet leads to very high incidence of thrombotic
complication of surgery. Those cases need to be treated first.
1. Arterial -------------- cardiac, cerebral, peripheral
2. Venous ---------------leg veins, portal veins, hepatic veins, cerebral veins
D. There is a high incidence of peptic ulcer disease as well as GIT bleeding.
Abdominal pain due to peptic ulcer disease may be present because PV is
associated with increased histamine levels and gastric acidity or may be
related to an increased susceptibility to infection with the ulcer-causing

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bacterium H. pylori. Or possible Budd-Chiari syndrome (hepatic portal vein
thrombosis) or mesenteric vein thrombosis. Early satiety can occur in
patients with splenomegaly, because of gastric filling being impaired by the
enlarged spleen or, rarely, as a symptom of splenic infarction. Weight loss
may result from early satiety or from the increased myeloproliferative
activity of the abnormal clone.
E. Over production of uric acid leads to gout.
Gouty arthritis may be present in up to 20% of patients
F. A rare but classic
symptom of
polycythemia vera
(and the related
myeloproliferative
diseaseessential
thrombocythemia)
is erythromelalgia.
This is a sudden,
severe burning pain in
the hands or feet,
usually accompanied
by a reddish
or bluish coloration of
the skin.
Erythromelalgia is
caused by an increased
platelet count or
increased platelet
"stickiness"
(aggregation), resulting
in the formation of tiny
blood clots in the
vessels of the
extremity; it responds
rapidly to treatment
with aspirin .

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IN SUMMARY;
C/F
1. BLEEDING 2.THROMBOSIS
Peptic ulcer Headache
GIT bleeding Dizziness
Epistaxis Tinnitus,blurred vision
Vertigo
3. PRURITIS 4.GOUT
PHYSICAL EXAMINATION:
Physical findings in patients with polycythemia vera (PV) are due to the
myeloproliferative process and excess concentrations of the cellular elements of
blood with extramedullary hematopoiesis.
1. Plethora, red face , Conjunctival suffusion
Plethora or a ruddy complexion is
characteristic of PV and results
from the marked increase in total
red blood cell mass. This
manifests in the face, palms,
nailbeds, mucosa, and conjunctiva
2. Engorged retinal veins
on fundoscopy
3. Spleen ---enlarged in 75% of cases, always present when imaged.
4. Hepatomegaly is present in approximately 30% of patients.
Hypertension is common in patients with PV. Measurement of
the red blood cell mass should differentiate this condition from
Gaisbock syndrome, which is hypertension and

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pseudopolycythemia (ie, high hemoglobin levels due to low
plasma volume)
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF POLYCYTHEMIA:
A. Spurious polycythemia (relative )
Increased HCT and hemoglobin ----- due to reduction of plasma volume
Dehydration ,Diuretic ,Stress.
Middle aged men, overweight , HTN , HCT always ˂ 60%
B. Secondary polycythemia :
Hypoxia—COPD , lung fibrosis , bronchiectasis ,pulmonary HTN
Hypoxia --- 2RY to cyanotic congenital heart disease
Renal lesions---- polycystic kidney disease , hypernephroma
Hepatic lesions--- cyst, hepatoma.
Causes (( genetic basics )) NEW:
1RY----The causes of polycythemia vera (PV) are unknown, but a number of
approaches are now being studied to define the molecular lesion or lesions.
The JAK2 V617F mutation can give rise to a turned-on cytokine receptor, leading
to pancytosis similar to the PV phenotype. This is similar to the biologic
properties of theBCR/ABL abnormality in that they both mimic cytokine signaling.
Clonality studies using a rare polymorphism in the G6PD gene demonstrate
predominant expression of a single allele in all blood cell lines. X-chromosome
inactivation studies have played a pivotal role in establishing current concepts of
many hematologic malignancies. Approximately 90% of patients with PV show a
skewed pattern of X inactivation in all their blood cell lines, indicating support for
the concept of a transformed multipotential stem cell.
Cytogenetic studies show the presence of an abnormal karyotype in the
hematopoietic progenitor cells in approximately 34% of patients with PV,
depending on which stage of the disease the study was performed at.
Approximately 20% of patients have cytogenetic abnormalities at diagnosis,
increasing to more than 80% for those with more than 10 years of follow-up care.
The following genetic abnormalities, which are similar to the abnormal
karyotypes observed in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes and other
MPDs, have been observed in patients with PV:
 Deletion of 20q (8.4%)
 Deletion of 13q (3%)
 Trisomy 8 (7%)
 Trisomy 9 (7%)
 Trisomy of 1q (4%)
 Deletion of 5q or monosomy 5 (3%)
 Deletion of 7q or monosomy 7 (1%)

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2RY----The main reasons for higher than normal Epo are chronic hypoxia , poor
oxygen delivery due to abnormal red blood cell structure, and tumors releasing
inappropriately high amounts of Epo.
Some of the common conditions that can result in elevated erythropoietin due to
chronic hypoxia or poor oxygen supply include:
1. COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis
2. Pulmonary hypertension
3. Hypoventilation syndrome
4. Congestive heart failure.
5. Obstructive sleep apnea.
6. Poor blood flow to the kidneys.
7. Living in high altitudes.
2,3-BPG deficiency is a condition in which the hemoglobin molecule in the red
blood cells has an abnormal structure. In this condition, hemoglobin has a higher
affinity to hold on to oxygen and is less likely to release it to the tissues. This
results in more red blood cells being produced in response to what the tissues in
the body perceive as an inadequate oxygen level. The outcome is more
circulating red blood cells.
Certain tumors have a tendency to secrete inappropriately high amounts of Epo,
leading to polycythemia. The common Epo-releasing tumors are:
1. Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma).
2. Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma).
3. Adrenal adenoma or adenocarcinoma.
4. Uterine cancer.
There also are more benign conditions that may cause increase Epo secretion,
such as kidney cysts and kidney obstruction.
Chronic carbon monoxide exposure can also lead to polycythemia. Hemoglobin
naturally has a higher affinity for carbon monoxide than for oxygen. Therefore,
when carbon monoxide molecules attach to hemoglobin, polycythemia may occur
in order to compensate for the poor oxygen delivery by the existing hemoglobin
molecules. A similar scenario can also occur with carbon dioxide in long-
termcigarette smoking.
Polycythemia in newborns (neonatal polycythemia) is often caused by transfer of
maternal blood from the placenta or blood transfusions. Prolonged poor oxygen delivery
to the fetus (intrauterine hypoxia) due to insufficiency of the placenta can also lead to
neonatal polycythemia

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LABORATORY:
Polycythemia is characterized by increased cell counts in all cell lines in the
myeloid series (ie, red blood cells, white blood cells [preferentially granulocytes],
and platelets). Thus, if red blood cell levels are increased, several conditions
must be excluded, including the following:
A. Conditions that increase red blood cells secondary to systemic hypoxia or
an artificial condition stimulating erythropoietin secretion in the kidneys
B. Granulocytosis from infections or mobilization by secondary causes, as in
leukemoid reactions
C. Thrombocytosis from bleeding and iron deficiency
A. Red Blood Cell related increases
1. Elevated Hemoglobin And Hematocrit
a. White men: Hemoglobin >18 mg/dl (Hematocrit >52%)
b. Black men: Hemoglobin >16 mg/dl (Hematocrit >47%)
c. Women: >16 mg/dl (Hematocrit >47%)
2. Elevated Red Blood Bell count
8 - 9 million & occasionally 11 million erythrocytes / cubic ml of
blood.
B. Proliferation of all cell lines (50% of patients)
1. Thrombocytosis
2. Leukocytosis
FOR DIAGNOSIS OF PRV
The Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) was the first to set rigorous criteria
for the diagnosis of polycythemia vera (PV) in the 1970s. With the establishment
of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–based methods for detecting the JAK2 V617F
mutation, this may become the first molecular diagnostic marker for PV, similar
toBCR/ABL for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). However, because of a
paucity of centers doing red blood cell mass measurements, demonstrating an
elevated red blood cell mass continues to become more difficult.
The diagnostic criteria set by the PVSG are organized into two categories, A and
B. The diagnosis of PV is established if all three category A criteria are present,
or if criteria A1 plus A2 plus any two criteria from category B are present.
A. Exclude secondary causes of increased RBC Count
B. Criteria
1. Major Criteria A (first two required)
a. Increased Red Blood Cell mass
i. Men: >36 ml/kg
ii. Women: >32 ml/kg
b. Normal arterial Oxygen Saturation (>92%)

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c. Splenomegaly (or two minor criteria below)
2. Minor Criteria B (two required if no Splenomegaly)
a. Platelet Count >400 x10^3/uL
b. Leukocyte count >12 x10^3/uL
c. Alkaline Phosphatase >100 U/L
d. Serum Vitamin B12 >900 pg/ml or binding capacity > 2200
pg/mL
C. Experimental diagnostic tools
1. Endogenous erythroid colony growth in EPO-free medium
2. Bone Marrow Biopsy: Polycythemia-specific finding
3. Serum Erythropoietin low
a. Test Sensitivity: 70%
b. Test Specificity: 90%
D. Diagnostic criteria for PV as per the 2008 revised World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines include both major and minor criteria.
Diagnosis requires the presence of both major criteria and one minor
criterion or the presence of the first major criterion together with two minor
criteria.
Major WHO criteria are as follows:
1. Hemoglobin > 18.5 g/dL in men and > 16.5 g/dL in women, or other evidence
of increased red blood cell volume.
2. Presence of JAK2617V F or other functionally similar mutation, such
asJAK2 exon 12 mutation.
Minor WHO criteria are as follows:
1. Bone marrow biopsy showing hypercellularity for age with trilineage
growth (panmyelosis) with prominent erythroid, granulocytic, and
megakaryocytic proliferation
2. Serum erythropoietin level below the reference range for normal
3. Endogenous erythroid colony formation in vitro
E. Once an MPD (Philadelphia chromosome negative [Ph–]) is documented, it
must be differentiated from the following conditions, which have
manifestations that overlap with polycythemia vera (PV):
1. Essential thrombocytosis (ET)
2. Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)
3. Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM)
NEW CONCEPT FOR DAIGNOSIS OF PRV:
The major diagnostic issue related to PV is distinguishing it from other forms of
erythrocytosis, which are more common than PV. JAK2 V617F mutation and
erythropoietin (Epo) level are key in the diagnosis of erythrocytosis. If the JAK2V617F

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mutation is positive and Epo level is low, then it confirms the diagnosis of PV
(JAK2 V617F mutation is positive in 97% of PV patients).
If the JAK2 V617F mutation is absent but the Epo level is low, then testing forJAK2 exon
12 and 13 mutations would be helpful is making a diagnosis of PV in the 2-3% of PV
patients who are negative for JAK2 V617F mutation. Patients who are negative
for JAK2 mutations and have a normal or high Epo level have secondary erythrocytosis.
Total blood volume= plasma + red cell mass
1.HCT:
The hall mark of PRV is HCT above normal ˃ 60%
Bleeding may lower HCT to normal range or lower.
Red cell mass is ˃ 30% of
predicted volume.
2.Red cell morphology is normal.
3.WBC is characteristically
increased 10000---20000/ml (60%
of patient)
It is mainly composed of
neutrophils with a left shift and a
few immature cells. Mild
basophilia occurs in 60% of
patients.
4.Platelet morphology is usually
normal but large hypogranular
Platelets seen.
Count is elevated, some times,
1000000/ ml. The platelet count is
elevated to 400,000-800,000/µL in
approximately 50% of patients.
The release of potassium into the
serum caused by the increased
number of platelets during in vitro
coagulation may cause a
pseudohyperkalemia in the serum,
whereas the true plasma
potassium level in vivo is actually
within the reference range, as
shown by measuring plasma

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levels and by the lack of electrocardiography (ECG) changes. Morphologic
abnormalities in platelets include macrothrombocytes and granule-
deficient platelets.
Abnormal platelet function (as measured by platelet aggregation tests with
epinephrine, adenosine diphosphate [ADP], or collagen) may be
demonstrated, but bleeding time may be normal. Some patients' platelet-
rich plasma spontaneously aggregates without the addition of any of the
above substances. This indicates a propensity for thromboses.
5.Bone marrow -----
Are not necessary to
establish the diagnosis
of polycythemia vera.
The finding
of Hypercellular
,panhyperplasia of all
hemaopoietc cells
 To differentiate
primary from
secondary.
 Characteristic
finding------
increased
megakaryocytes
6. Routine coagulation
test results are normal,
with a high turnover
rate for fibrinogen. The
prothrombin time (PT) and
activated partial
thromboplastin (aPTT) time
may be artifactually prolonged,
however, because the
erythrocytosis results in the
collection of a low amount of
plasma in relation to the
anticoagulant in the test tube.
Thus, the volume of the ratio
of anticoagulant to blood must
be modified when drawing
blood for coagulation tests in

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patients who are polycythemic.
6.Iron stores-------------usually absent from bone marrow
 They are transferred to increase red cell mass
 It May result from chronic GIT blood loss
7.VITAMIN B12 ---are increased due to increased level of transcobalamin II
((WBC))
Vitamin B-12 levels are elevated to more than 900 pg/mL in approximately
30% of patients, and 75% of patients show an elevation in the unbound
vitamin B-12 binding capacity greater than 2200 pg/mL. This is because of
increased transcobalamin-III, a binding protein found in white blood cells,
and it reflects the total white blood cell counts in the peripheral blood and
bone marrow.
8.ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE---increased as a marker of qualitative
abnormality in myeloid line. The leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP)
score is elevated (>100 U/L) in 70% of patients. This technique is only
semiquantitative and is susceptible to interobserver and laboratory errors
unless it can be performed by flow cytometry, which is not routinely
available.
9.URIC ACID-----------------------may be increased.
Hyperuricemia occurs in 40% of patients and reflects the high turnover rate
of bone marrow cells releasing DNA metabolites.
10.RBC morphology-----may show -hypochromic microcytic &
poikilocytosis due to decrease Fe.
There may be elliptocytosis due to hypersplenism in peripheral blood film.
11.ARTERIAL BLOOD GASE--- looking for O2 saturation
1ry ------------ more than 90%
2ry ------------ low in cyanotic CHD and chronic lung disease.
Measuring arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) and carboxyhemoglobin
(COHb) levels is important to rule out hypoxia as a secondary cause for
erythrocytosis. Pulse oximetry is the most convenient method for
measuring SaO2; however, in people who smoke cigarettes, the COHb must
be determined directly and subtracted to give an accurate SaO2 value. A
value below 92% indicates a causal relationship with erythrocytosis. If the
fall is due to increased COHb, this is less likely to cause erythrocytosis.
Nocturnal oxygen desaturation due to sleep apnea is observed in 20% of
patients
12.URINE ROUTINE EXAMINATION:
Should be examined in all patients with polycythemia.

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Hematuria is caused by renal carcinoma and polycystic kidney disease
with increased level of erythropoietin leading to increased level of red cell
mass.
MORE INVESTIGATIONS :
Cytogenetics of the bone marrow cells show a clonal abnormality in 30% of
patients who are not treated and in 50% of patients who are treated with
alkylating or myelosuppressive agents. These chromosomal abnormalities
include deletions of the long arm of chromosome 5 or 20 (5q-, 20q-) and trisomy 8
(+8) or 9 (+9). Leukemic transformation is usually associated with multiple or
complex abnormalities.
Measuring spontaneous growth of erythroid progenitors in cultures (burst-
forming unit, erythroid [BFU-E]) in the absence of Epo is a very sensitive test for
polycythemia vera (PV) or familial erythrocytosis. However, it is not routinely
available for clinical use.
The hemoglobin-oxygen dissociation curve may be useful in rare cases to detect
a congenital hemoglobinopathy with increased oxygen affinity. This condition
can occur in families.
Complications
A. Accelerated atherosclerotic and thrombotic disease
1. Cerebrovascular Accident
2. Myocardial Infarction
3. Peripheral Vascular Disease
4. Other rarely affected vessels
a. Mesenteric thrombosis
b. Hepatic vein thrombosis or Portal Vein Thrombosis
B. Hemorrhage
1. Epistaxis
2. Acute GI Bleed
C. Progression to other hematologic disorder
1. Myelofibrosis (20% of patients)
2. Leukemia (5% of patients)
TREATMENT: Myelosuppression
Patients can be risk-stratified for their risk of thrombosis according to their age
and history of thrombosis. Patients older than 60 years or with a previous history
of thrombosis are considered to be high risk. Patients younger than 60 years and
with no prior history of thrombosis are considered low risk.

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SUMMARY OF TREATMENT
A. Goal: Keep Hematocrit below threshold
1. White men: Hematocrit <45%
2. Black patients and all women: Hematocrit <42%
B. Age Under 60 years
1. Low or intermediate risk patients
a. Repeated phlebotomy
b. Interferon alfa-2b
c. Low dose Aspirin (Platelet Count <150 x10^3/uL)
2. High risk patients
a. Low or Intermediate Risk Management options (above)
b. Hydroxyurea
c. Bisulfan
C. High risk patients over age 60 years
1. Repeated phlebotomy
2. Low dose Aspirin
3. Hydroxyurea
4. Busulfan
D. Women of child bearing age
1. Low or intermediate risk patients
a. Repeated phlebotomy
b. Low dose Aspirin (Platelet Count <150 x10^3/uL)
2. High risk patients
a. Low or Intermediate Risk Management options (above)
b. Interferon alfa-2b
c. Bisulfan
Prognosis: Median survival in symptomatic patients
A. Survival without treatment: 6-18 months
B. Survival with treatment: >10 years
As the condition cannot be cured, treatment focuses on treating symptoms
and reducing thrombotic complications by reducing the erythrocyte levels.
All patients with PV should undergo phlebotomy to keep their hematocrit
below 45% and should take aspirin, 81 mg daily. In addition, if a patient is
at high risk for thrombosis, cytoreductive therapy is added to the
management plan. Hydroxyurea at a starting dose of 500 mg twice daily is
the most commonly used cytoreductive agent. It can be titrated on the
basis of blood counts. In patients who are refractory to or intolerant of
hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha can be used as an alternative. Busulfan is
also an option for patients older than 65 years.

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DETAILED APPROACH TO TREATMENT:
A. The treatment of choice is phlebotomy (venesection )
 Phlebotomy (bloodletting) has long been the mainstay of therapy for
polycythemia vera (PV). The object is to remove excess cellular
elements, mainly red blood cells, to improve the circulation of blood
by lowering the blood viscosity. Because phlebotomy is the most
efficient method of lowering the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels to
the reference range, all newly diagnosed patients are initially
phlebotomized to decrease the risk of complications. Phlebotomy is
one form of treatment, which often may be combined with other
therapies. The removal of blood from the body reduces the blood
volume and brings down the hematocrit levels; in patients with
polycythemia vera, this reduces the risk of blood clots
 To maintain HCT ˂ 45% in men and 42% in female by repeated
phlebotomy.
 Patients can be phlebotomized once or twice a week to reduce the
hematocrit to the range of less than 45%.
 500 ml can be taken daily for 2 days then every alternate days until
PCV˂0.5
 OR one unit of blood is removed weekly.
 Patients with severe plethora who have altered mentation or
associated vascular compromise can be bled more vigorously, with
daily removal of 500 mL of whole blood.
 Maintain HCT at normal level has been shown to decrease
thrombosis.
 There is no need for iron supplementation or restriction.
 Elderly patients with some cardiovascular compromise or cerebral
vascular complications should have the volume replaced with saline
solution after each procedure to avoid postural hypotension. The
presence of elevated platelet counts, which may be exacerbated by
phlebotomy, is an indication to use myelosuppressive agents to
avoid thrombotic or hemorrhagic complications.
B. Maintenance therapy
Once the patient's hemoglobin and hematocrit values are reduced to within the
reference range, implement a maintenance program either by inducing iron
deficiency by continuous phlebotomies (the frequency of the procedure depends
on the rate of reaccumulation of the red blood cells) or by using a
myelosuppressive agent. The choice depends on the risks of secondary
leukemias and the rate of thrombosis or bleeding. Patients must be cautioned to
not take iron supplements

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C. Myelosuppresion is indicated for:
1. High phlebotomy required—
2. Maintenance
3. Marked thrombocytosis ˂ platelet 700000/ml
4. Intractable pruritis
The risks for secondary leukemia depend on the type of therapy (eg,
phlebotomy, radioactive phosphorus-32 [32
P], chlorambucil) or the type of
myelosuppressive agents (eg, hydroxyurea [HU], anagrelide, interferon
alfa) and duration of therapy.
The Polycythemia Vera Study Group (PVSG) demonstrated a decreased
survival rate and increased mortality rate from acute leukemia in the first 5
years, and a total of 17% of patients had leukemia after 15 years with
chlorambucil and with32
P. An increased incidence of thrombotic
complications occurred in the phlebotomy arm. This indicates that
phlebotomy is not ideal for patients with elevated platelet counts and
previous thrombosis, as are observed in patients who are older. In this
situation, using HydroxyUrea has decreased these complications.
Drugs----Alkalyting agents and radioactive phosphorus
This will Increase the risk of leukemia .It is better to be avoided
Hydroxyurea----cytoreductive agent ,Widely used and not leukemogenic.
Hydroxyurea has been the mainstay therapy for PV since the PVSG results
indicated it is an effective agent for myelosuppression; however, concerns
have been raised regarding long-term risks for leukemic transformation. In
the PVSG trial, HU therapy reduced the risk of thrombosis compared with
phlebotomy alone; the PVSG recommended that HU should be the drug of
choice for patients older than 40 years.
The role of HU in leukemic transformation is not clear. Several
nonrandomized studies have supported or refuted a significant rise in
leukemic conversion with the long-term use of HU in patients with essential
thrombocythemia (from 0% to 5.5%) and in patients with PV (from 2.1% to
10%).
D. Busulphan and Interferon
Interferon alfa has been demonstrated in small anecdotal studies to
possibly be useful in patients who have relapsed or progressed to
agnogenic myeloid metaplasia (AMM) or severe hepatosplenomegaly.
However, only low doses are tolerated and significant adverse effects from
long-term use may limit its usefulness

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E. High dose aspirin (325/8hr/day) // Dipyridamole (25mg/8hr/day)
Low-dose aspirin suppresses thromboxane biosynthesis by platelets,
which is increased in PV and essential thrombocythemia. The European
Collaboration on Low-dose Aspirin in Polycythemia Vera (ECLAP) found
that low doses of aspirin (40 mg/d) were effective for preventing
thrombosis and controlling microvascular painful symptoms
(erythromelalgia), which result from spontaneous platelet aggregation, in
patients with PV and essential thrombocythemia, without creating a
bleeding diathesis.
Once aspirin daily may be affective in patient with history of thrombosis .
Others ,This will increase the GIT bleeding.
F. Allopurinol for hyperuricemia
G. For pruritis---
Aspirins
NSAIDS
H2 receptor antagonist--- cimetidine
Diphenlydramine
Ultraviolet light
H. Ruxolitinib
In November 2011, the JAK1/JAK2 inhibitor, ruxolitinib (Jakafi), became the
first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved drug for patients with
intermediate- or high-risk myelofibrosis, including primary myelofibrosis,
post-PV myelofibrosis, and post–essential thrombocythemia myelofibrosis.
I. In cases where secondary thrombocytosis (high platelet count) is
present, anagrelide may be prescribed.
J. Bone marrow transplants are rarely undertaken in polycythemia patients;
since this condition is non-fatal if treated and monitored, the benefits rarely
outweigh the risks involved in such a procedure.
K. There are indications that with certain genetic markers, erlotinib may be an
additional treatment option for this condition.
COURSE:
 10% of patient as terminal event-------------acute myeloid leukemia
 This is attributed to phosphorus and alkalyting agent
 Indolent disease with survival ----- 11 to 15 years.

Polycythemia by dr magdi sasi 2014

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Polycythemia by dr magdi sasi 2014