Is polycythemia a rubra vera?

What is Polycythaemia (Rubra) Vera? Polycythaemia (Rubra) Vera, also known as primary polycythaemia vera, is a disorder where too many red cells are produced in the bone marrow, without any identifiable cause.

How is polycythemia rubra vera diagnosed?

To diagnose PV, your doctor will perform a test called a complete blood count (CBC) to see if your number of red blood cells is higher than normal. Your doctor may also test your blood to look for amounts of a hormone called erythropoietin. Lower-than-normal levels of this hormone can be a sign of PV.

What labs are abnormal with polycythemia vera?

Nonspecific laboratory abnormalities that may occur in polycythemia vera include elevated vitamin B12 and B12-binding capacity, hyperuricemia and hyperuricosuria (present in ≥ 80% of patients), and decreased expression of MPL (the receptor for thrombopoietin) in megakaryocytes and platelets.

Which of the following clinical signs typically accompany Polycythaemia?

Symptoms especially suggestive of polycythemia vera include postbath pruritus, erythromelalgia (burning pain and erythema of the hands and feet), gout, thromboses, and bleeding.

Does polycythemia get worse?

It causes your marrow to make too many red blood cells so your blood is too thick. You may be more likely to have clots, a stroke, or a heart attack. This disease gets worse slowly, usually over many years. It can be life-threatening if you don’t get treatment, but the right care can help you live a long life.

Does polycythemia go away?

There’s no cure for polycythemia vera. Treatment focuses on reducing your risk of complications. These treatments may also ease your symptoms.

Is polycythemia a terminal illness?

Polycythemia Vera: Prognosis and Life Expectancy. Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

What level indicates polycythemia?

The major criteria for polycythemia vera include a hemoglobin level of greater than 18.5 gram / deciliter in men or 16.5 gram / deciliter in women (or similar numbers based on the hematocrit) and the presence of JAK2 mutation.

What is the difference between polycythemia and polycythemia vera?

Secondary polycythemia is defined as an absolute increase in red blood cell mass that is caused by enhanced stimulation of red blood cell production. In contrast, polycythemia vera is characterized by bone marrow with an inherent increased proliferative activity.

What are the clinical features of polycythemia vera?

Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in your hands, feet, arms or legs. A feeling of fullness soon after eating and bloating or pain in your left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen. Unusual bleeding, such as a nosebleed or bleeding gums. Painful swelling of one joint, often the big toe.

Can you live a full life with polycythemia vera?

Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare blood cancer. While no cure exists for PV, it can be controlled through treatment, and you can live with the disease for many years.

What should I eat if I have polycythemia?

Polycythemia vera diet Eat well-balanced meals complete with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy. Ask your doctor how many calories you should consume each day to maintain a healthy weight. Also, watch how much salt you eat.

Are there too many red blood cells in polycythemia vera?

In polycythemia vera, there are too many red blood cells, and sometimes there are also too many platelets or white blood cells.

How is polycythemia vera used to treat deep vein thrombosis?

The goal of treatment for polycythemia vera is to decrease the risk for developing deep vein thrombosis. This risk is about 20% for individuals who are above 60 years old or have a history of deep vein thrombosis. The risk can be reduced by keeping the hematocrit, which is the ratio of red blood cells to the amount of total blood, below 45%.

How often should I have my blood drawn for polycythemia vera?

How often you need to have blood drawn depends on the severity of your condition. Medication to decrease blood cells. If phlebotomy alone doesn’t help, medications that suppress your bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, such as hydroxyurea (Droxia, Hydrea), might be used.

Why does polycythemia vera make your spleen work harder?

The increased number of blood cells caused by polycythemia vera makes your spleen work harder than normal, which causes it to enlarge. Problems due to high levels of red blood cells.