What is this condition about and what are its implications? It affects 2 out of every 100,000 people in the world.
Polycythemia vera is a type of chronic myeloproliferative disease, that is, a condition in which the bone marrow produces blood cells excessively and uncontrollably, which can lead to a series of complications, such as increased blood viscosity and risk of thrombosis, if not treated properly.
This rare blood disorder It affects 2 in every 100,000 people. Its incidence increases with age, being more common in people over 60 years of age, although it can also occur in younger people.
Patients usually present symptoms such as fatigue, headache, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), itching when in contact with hot water, and a feeling of fullness in the stomach.
He diagnosis of polycythemia vera is based on a combination of clinical, laboratory and imaging criteria. Some of the steps to diagnose this disease are: clinical history and physical examination, blood test, complete blood count, erythrocyte test, iron test, JAK2 mutation test, bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI, to evaluate the size of the spleen and the presence of thrombosis and Chronic Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN) Study Group. It is important to mention that the diagnosis of polycythemia Vera can be complicated and require evaluation by a hematology specialist.
Although polycythemia vera is a chronic disease, with the treatment adequate, it is possible to control symptoms and improve quality of life. Treatment may include:
- Phlebotomy: regular blood draw to reduce the number of red blood cells and decrease blood viscosity.
- Medications: such as JAK inhibitors, to reduce blood cell production and control symptoms.
- Supportive treatment: to manage symptoms and prevent complications.
To learn more about polycythemia vera, on Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m., the Dr. Ana Ines Varela will give a free talk about this disease. This activity via ZOOM is organized by the Argentine Lymphomas Civil Association (ACLA) and is intended for patients, their families and friends, health professionals and all those interested. No prior registration required: ID: 834 9792 5003 Code: ACLA. In order to have local data on the disease and have current statistics, we invite you to enter here.
The Argentine Lymphomas Civil Association is a non-profit association that works by disseminating information, creating meeting spaces and offering guidance to patients with Lymphomas, Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Myelofibrosis and Polycythemia Vera in order to help raise awareness of these diseases, providing support and thus contributing to improvement. the quality of life of the people who live with them.
For more information about ACLA, its activities and the awareness campaign:
