Polycythemia vera Health Article

Definition

Polycythemia vera is an abnormal increase in blood cells (primarily red blood cells) due to excess production of the cells by the bone marrow.

Alternative Names

Primary polycythemia; Polycythemia rubra vera; Myeloproliferative disorder; Erythremia; Splenomegalic polycythemia; Vaquez's disease; Osler's disease; Polycythemia with chronic cyanosis - Myelopathic polycythemia; Erythrocytosis megalosplenica; Cryptogenic polycythemia

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Polycythemia vera is an acquired disorder of the bone marrow that causes the overproduction of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

It is a rare disease that occurs more frequently in men than women, and rarely in patients under age 40. The exact cause is unknown.

Symptoms

• Breathing difficulty when lying down
• Dizziness
• Fullness in the left upper abdomen
• Headache
• Itchiness, especially following a warm bath
• Red coloration, especially of the face
• Shortness of breath
• Symptoms of phlebitis

Note: Symptoms are due to increased blood thickness and clotting.

Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:

• Bluish skin discoloration
• Fatigue
• Skin spots, red
• Vision problems

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. Tests that may be done include:

• Bone marrow biopsy
• Blood volume
• Chemistry panel
• Complete blood count with differential
• Hematocrit
• White blood count
• Platelet count
• Vitamin B12 level

This disease may also alter the results of the following tests:

• ESR
• Erythropoietin
• Hemoglobin
• Lactate dehydrogenase
• Leukocyte alkaline phosphatase
• Platelet aggregation test
• Red blood cell count
• Serum uric acid
• TIBC
• Urinalysis