Condition Info - BotMed Application

ConditionName

Polycythemia Vera

ConditionDescription

Opposite to aplastic anemia.

Symptoms

Headache, blurred vision, tinnitus;
Fatigue;
Itchiness after shower b/c of histamine release from basophils;
Burning pain in hands and feet;
Rush;

PhysicalFindings

Splenomegaly;
Hepatomegaly;
Hypertension;

ClinicalTests

Hematocrit >60%;
↑platelets;
↑WBC count;
↓MCV;
B12 elevated (???);
↓Iron;
↓Erythropoietin;
(MUST r/o hypoxia);

Bone marrow biopsy show hypercellular marrow;

RiskFactors

Mutation in JAK2 protein (95%);

Hypoxia:
COPD;
Obstructive sleep apnea;
Living at high altitude;

Tumor:
“Potentially Really High Hematocrit”;
Pheochromocytoma;
Renal cell carcinoma;
Hepatocellular carcinoma;
Hemangioblastoma;

Age 50-60;

IsRedFlag

IsNPLEX

Consequence

Chronic fatigue syndrome; 
Bleeding from engorged blood vessels;
Thrombosis (stroke, MI, angina, claudication, DVT, PE);
Leukemia;
PUD b/c of high histamine;
Secondary Raynaud Syndrome;

ProgressionFromCondition

Phlebotomy to keep hematocrit <45;
Do not treat iron deficiency!

TreatmentOptions

Aspirin;
INF-alpha;
Alopurinol;

PharmOptions

WebLink

https://www.merckmanuals.com/en-ca/professional/hematology-and-oncology/myeloproliferative-disorders/polycythemia-vera