About this disease
What it is about
In PV, due to a genetic change in the blood stem cell, there is an increase in the activity of the bone marrow: too many blood cells are produced and flushed out into the blood. This excess of blood cells can lead to the blood becoming "thicker", flowing more poorly through the vessels and clogging them. This leads to thrombosis.
Types
Polycythemia vera belongs to the family of myeloproliferative disorders. This is a group of diseases characterized by excessive production of different blood cells or structures in the bone marrow. In addition to PV, myeloproliferative disorders include chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF).
Symptoms and consequences
The precise recording of symptoms and complaints is particularly important in the case of polycythemia vera. Some affected persons suffer from headaches, high blood pressure or unexplained itching. Due to the increase in cell counts, the blood becomes more viscous, vessels "clog", so that thromboses, embolisms, but also heart attacks or strokes can be the result.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
A blood test is used to measure the extent of the increase in blood cells. The triggering mutation of the blood stem cell can often be detected. For a more precise classification of the disease and to distinguish it from the other diseases from the above list, a bone marrow puncture should be performed.
Treatment
The main aim of treatment is to normalize blood values in order to reduce the complications of "thick blood". This can be achieved with drugs that reduce excessive cell production in the bone marrow. A very simple, quick method to reduce the red blood cells with few side effects is to perform phlebotomies. It is also advisable to take a blood thinner (ASA).