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Polycythemia vera    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Waldenstrom's disease; Primary polycythemia; Polycythemia rubra vera; Hyperglobulinemia; Myeloproliferative disorders

Definition:

An abnormal increase in blood cells (primarily red blood cells) resulting from increased blood cell production by the bone marrow.

Causes and Risks

Polycythemia vera is an acquired disorder of the bone marrow, which causes an overproduction of all three blood cell lines: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It is a rare disorder, occurring more frequently in men, and is rarely seen in those under 40 years old. Its cause is unknown, and the disease is considered a hematologic malignancy.

The disease develops slowly, usually after the age of 50 or 60 and may progress to acute myelogenous leukemia. The viscosity of the blood and the increased platelets result in a high potential for clot formation, which can result in stroke or heart attack. Some patients will experience hemorrhaging because their platelets' clotting ability is impaired. Risk factors are unknown, but the incidence is highest among people of Jewish ancestry.

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