Self-care
Correcting or eliminating the cause of secondary polycythemia is the most important aim of treating blood-related abnormalities. For this, doctors may use phlebotomy (blood-letting) or symptom relief. Phlebotomy is used to reduce the number of red blood cells in plasma.
Medication
Secondary polycythemia is the overproduction of red blood cells. It causes your blood to thicken, which increases the risk of a stroke. It’s a rare condition.
Procedures
It’s usually due to an underlying condition, which can range in severity from sleep apnea to serious heart disease. If the underlying condition isn’t serious, most people with secondary polycythemia can expect a normal lifespan. But if the polycythemia makes the blood extremely viscous, there’s an increased risk of stroke.
Therapy
More common symptoms include: Without treatment, people with PV may also be more likely to experience complications, such as: If doctors suspect that a person has polycythemia, they will order several tests to help identify the underlying issue.
Nutrition
Specialist To Consult
What is the treatment for secondary polycythemia?
What is secondary polycythemia and how dangerous is it?
What is the life expectancy of someone with polycythemia?
What happens if you don’t treat polycythemia?
How long can you live with secondary polycythemia?
It's usually due to an underlying condition, which can range in severity from sleep apnea to serious heart disease. If the underlying condition isn't serious, most people with secondary polycythemia can expect a normal lifespan.
What is the most common cause of secondary polycythemia?
Secondary polycythemia most often develops as a response to chronic hypoxemia, which triggers increased production of erythropoietin by the kidneys. The most common causes of secondary polycythemia include obstructive sleep apnea, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
How do you get rid of secondary polycythemia?
Treating Secondary Polycythemia For this, doctors may use phlebotomy (blood-letting) or symptom relief. Phlebotomy is used to reduce the number of red blood cells in plasma. In one sitting, as much as one pint of blood may be let out, depending on your condition.
Is phlebotomy necessary for secondary polycythemia?
Phlebotomy should be performed in any patient with secondary polycythemia prior to any elective surgery. In patients with physiologically appropriate erythrocytosis, as the increased red cell mass is a compensatory mechanism of the body, phlebotomy should not be performed in order to maintain proper tissue oxygenation.
Which of the following diseases is associated with secondary polycythemia?
Health conditions that can cause secondary polycythaemia include: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and sleep apnoea – these can cause an increase in erythropoietin, due to not enough oxygen reaching the body's tissues.
What foods to avoid if you have polycythemia?
Fat: With polycythemia vera, it is important that you avoid consuming too much high-fat foods because they can increase your risk of blood clots and inflammation. These include red meat with fat, chicken with skin on it, and deep-fried foods or dessert made with heavy creams or large amounts of butter.
Can JAK2 mutation be cured?
Path to definitive treatment JAK2 inhibitors and other drugs currently used to treat myelofibrosis and other myeloproliferative neoplasms do not cure the disease. Chemotherapy followed by stem cell transplantation is the only treatment with the potential to cure myelofibrosis.
Does exercise help with polycythemia?
You can take steps to help yourself feel better if you've been diagnosed with polycythemia vera. Try to: Exercise. Moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve your blood flow.
Do you need chemo for polycythemia?
Polycythemia vera (PV), a type of myeloproliferative neoplasm that forces bone marrow to produce too many red blood cells, should be treated with therapeutic phlebotomy, a procedure that removes blood from a person's body with the goal of reducing iron overload, and cytoreductive therapy with the chemotherapy ...
How often should phlebotomy be done with polycythemia?
Phlebotomy should be started by withdrawing 250 to 500 cc of blood daily or every other day until a hematocrit between 0.4 and 0.45 (40% and 45%) is obtained. In the elderly or those with a cardiovascular disease, a smaller amount of blood (200 to 300 cc) should be withdrawn twice weekly.
What level of hematocrit requires phlebotomy?
Patients with hypoxemic lung disease who exhibit symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome or have elevated hematocrit levels (>56%) should undergo phlebotomy to reduce their hematocrit levels to 50%–52%.
Does polycythemia cause fatigue?
Key points about polycythemia vera Thick blood can lead to strokes or tissue and organ damage. Symptoms include lack of energy (fatigue) or weakness, headaches, dizziness, shortness of breath, visual disturbances, nose bleeds, bleeding gums, heavy menstrual periods, and bruising.
What is the difference between primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia?
Primary polycythemia is caused by an abnormality of the cells in the bone marrow that form red blood cells. Secondary polycythemia is caused by a disorder originating outside of the bone marrow that causes overstimulation of the normal bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of red blood cells.
What is the most common symptom in the early stage of polycythemia?
Many people with polycythemia vera don't have noticeable signs or symptoms. Some people might develop vague symptoms such as headache, dizziness, fatigue and blurred vision. More-specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include: Itchiness, especially after a warm bath or shower.
What is the best treatment for polycythemia?
The most common treatment for polychythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy). It's the same procedure used for donating blood. This decreases your blood volume and reduces the number of excess blood cells.
What happens if polycythemia is not treated?
Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Liver and spleen enlargement are other possible complications.
What is secondary polycythemia?
Secondary polycythemia is a rare disease that involves the overproduction of red blood cells. The overproduction of the red cells can be due to a number of reasons ranging from genetic abnormalities to secondary to other diseases. It leads to an increased blood viscosity that is associated with many complications, including ischemic events in particular. This activity illustrates the evaluation and management of secondary polycythemia and highlights the role of the interprofessional team in improving care for patients with this condition.
What are the most common etiologies of secondary polycythemia?
In a study performed by Galeus et al. (2015), COPD, congenital heart disease, and severe pulmonary hypertension were found to be among the most common etiologies of secondary polycythemia. Data are lacking regarding the epidemiology of secondary polycythemia.
What is the result of increased erythroid progenitor cells as well as increased sensitivity to ery?
Polycythemia vera: This neoplastic disorder is the result of increased erythroid progenitor cells as well as increased sensitivity to erythropoietin secondary to a mutation called JAK mutation.
What is the best way to diagnose secondary polycythemia?
A detailed history and thorough physical examination usually provide clues pointing towards secondary polycythemia. A detailed history, including questions for each of the various etiological factors for secondary polycythemia, can aid in the diagnosis.
Is erythrocytosis a true hematocrit?
Absolute or true erythrocytosis differentiates from relative polycythemia, where the hematocrit is increased, but the red cell mass lies within the normal range. The elevated hematocrit can be due to the contracted plasma volume. [6]
Is erythropoietin removal therapeutic?
Surgical removal of erythropoietin producing tumors is therapeutic in patients with this etiology. Treating benign renal lesions is also curative. In some patients with secondary polycythemia, phlebotomy can be performed for temporary relief as well.
Is polycythemia a primary or secondary disease?
On the basis of the response of the erythroid progenitor cells to the circulating cytokines, polycythemia can be further classified into primary or secondary. [8][1]
What is secondary polycythemia?
Treatment. Coping. Secondary polycythemia, similar to primary polycythemia vera, is a disorder that causes an overproduction of red blood cells. When too many red blood cells are produced, the blood becomes thick, hindering its passage through the smaller blood vessels.
What causes polycythemia in the bone marrow?
Causes. Primary polycythemia is caused by an abnormality of the cells in the bone marrow that form red blood cells. Secondary polycythemia is caused by a disorder originating outside of the bone marrow that causes overstimulation of the normal bone marrow, leading to an overproduction of red blood cells.
What blood test can be used to diagnose polycythemia?
Measuring oxygen levels in the blood with a blood test known as arterial blood gas (ABG) can help doctors formulate a diagnose of secondary polycythemia. Other blood tests include measurement of erythropoietin and red blood cell mass levels.
Can you have a second diagnosis of polycythemia?
If you're already coping with one condition that can cause secondary polycythemia, such as COPD or a tumor, learning that you have a second diagnosis to cope with is understandably frustrating. You want to feel better, not worse. Remember that secondary polycythemia is caused by an underlying condition, most of which are well known ...
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Does secondary polycythemia go away?
Remember that secondary polycythemia is caused by an underlying condition, most of which are well known and have multiple treatment options available. Once the underlying cause is corrected, symptoms of secondary polycythemia usually go away. Your healthcare provider will guide you along the best path for resolving both.
What is secondary polycythemia?
Secondary polycythemia, also known as secondary erythrocytosis or secondary erythrocythemia, is a rare condition in which your body produces an excess amount of red blood cells. This overproduction of red blood cells thickens your blood.
What is the treatment for erythrocytosis?
They can be treated with oxygen therapy and phlebotomy. Tumor-associated erythrocytosis, a type of secondary polycythemia, occurs because of tumors or cysts in the kidneys, tumors in the liver, cerebellar hemangioblastoma (a type of brain tumor), or uterine leiomyoma (a tumor in the womb). This condition can be treated by removing the lesion.
Is polycythemia the same as secondary polycythemia?
Primary polycythemia and secondary polycythemia are similar. However, the former starts inside the bone marrow (where our blood cells are formed), whereas the latter starts outside of the bone marrow. Still, in both conditions, the normal bone marrow is overstimulated to overproduce red blood cells.
Does polycythemia affect lifespan?
Generally, secondary polycythemia on its own does not affect your lifespan, as long as the underlying condition is treated.
Does polycythemia go away?
It’s frustrating when you are coping with one condition and learn that you have a second diagnosis as well, but once you treat the underlying cause, the symptoms will usually go away. Most underlying conditions for secondary polycythemia are well-known conditions and already have multiple treatment options available.
Can red blood cells thicken blood?
This overproduction of red blood cells thickens your blood. This thickened blood can’t pass through your small blood vessels like capillaries easily. This increases your risk of having a stroke.
Can smoking cause polycythemia?
Still, in both conditions, the normal bone marrow is overstimulated to overproduce red blood cells. The job of the red blood cells is to deliver oxygen to the body tissues. This is why something like smoking can cause secondary polycythemia because it interferes with the delivery of oxygen. Since primary polycythemia is genetic, your doctor can use ...
What is the best treatment for polycythemia?
Proper treatment of the underlying condition in polycythemia, when possible, is important, such as the following: Provide oxygen supplementation to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Recommend weight loss in patients with obesity and hypoventilation. Recommend smoking cessation for patients with carboxyhemoglobin.
What happens when hematocrit is higher than 60?
At hematocrit levels higher than 60-65%, however, the compensatory increase in red blood cells reaches the limit of benefit and begins to compromise circulation because of hyperviscosity. The latter leads to greater tissue hypoxia and erythropoietin secretion, a continued increase in red blood cells, and further impairment of circulation.
Is secondary erythrocytosis a physiologic response?
The development of secondary erythrocytosis in response to tissue hypoxia is physiologic and probably beneficial to many patients. The expanded red blood cell mass may partially or totally compensate for the lack of oxygen delivery and result in tissue oxygenation to its normal level.
Can polycythemia cause thrombosis?
Some patients with extreme secondary polycythemia have impaired alertness, dizziness, headaches, and compromised exercise tolerance. They may also be at increased risk for thrombosis, strokes, myocardial infarction, and deep venous thrombosis. These are the patients who require phlebotomy.
What is secondary polycythemia?
In secondary polycythemia, the number of red blood cells (RBCs) is increased as a result of an underlying condition. Secondary polycythemia would more accurately be called secondary erythrocytosis or erythrocythemia, as those terms specifically denote increased red blood cells.
What is the risk of phlebotomy?
However, treatment with phlebotomy is indicated for patients with hematocrits higher than 60%-65%, who may experience symptoms such as impaired alertness, dizziness, headaches, and compromised exercise tolerance, and who may face increased risk for thrombosis, strokes, myocardial infarction, and deep venous thrombosis.
What is the term for elevated levels of all three peripheral blood cells?
The term polycythemia is used appropriately in the myeloproliferative disorder called polycythemia vera, in which there are elevated levels of all three peripheral blood cell lines—RBCs, white blood cells, and platelets. [ 1, 2] Secondary polycythemia most often develops as a response to chronic hypoxemia, which triggers increased production ...
Can hematocrit change blood test results?
Any change in either the hemoglobin or the hematocrit can alter test results. Relative polycythemia, or erythrocythemia, results from decreased plasma volume. A true polycythemia or erythrocythemia results from increased red blood cell mass.
Does secondary polycythemia have a shorter survival?
In general, patients with secondary polycythemia have a shorter survival following diagnosis than patients with polycythemia vera. This is believed to reflect the dire underlying conditions that may result in secondary polycythemia. Previous.
How to test for polycythemia vera?
If your doctor suspects that you have polycythemia vera, he or she might recommend collecting a sample of your bone marrow through a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy.
What does polycythemia vera mean in blood tests?
If you have polycythemia vera, blood tests might reveal: More red blood cells than normal and, sometimes, an increase in platelets or white blood cells. A greater percentage of red blood cells that make up total blood volume (hematocrit measurement) Elevated levels of the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen (hemoglobin)
What does a blood test show for polycythemia?
Blood tests. If you have polycythemia vera, blood tests might reveal: More red blood cells than normal and, sometimes, an increase in platelets or white blood cells. A greater percentage of red blood cells that make up total blood volume (hematocrit measurement) Elevated levels of the iron-rich protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen ...
How to get rid of blood clots?
Exercise. Moderate exercise, such as walking, can improve your blood flow. This helps decrease your risk of blood clots. Leg and ankle stretches and exercises also can improve your blood circulation.
How to prevent skin infection from scratching?
Try not to scratch, as it can damage your skin and increase the risk of infection. Use lotion to keep your skin moist.
Which type of blood cells are limited in secondary polycythemia?
The overproduction of blood cells in secondary polycythemia is limited to the red blood cells.
How does determining the underlying type of polycythemia help doctors?
Determining the underlying type of polycythemia helps doctors know how best to treat or manage the issue. If treatment is possible, the person should make a full recovery.
What are the complications of PV?
Without treatment, people with PV may also be more likely to experience complications, such as: 1 enlarged spleen 2 blood clots 3 angina 4 stroke 5 peptic ulcers 6 heart disease 7 gout 8 other blood disorders, such as myelofibrosis or leukemia
How many types of polycythemia are there?
There are two types of polycythemia, which have different causes.
Which drug suppresses bone marrow to keep it from producing blood cells?
These drugs include hydroxyurea (Hydrea), which suppresses the bone marrow to keep it from producing as many blood cells.
Who should see for polycythemia vera?
Anyone who has symptoms or a family history of polycythemia vera should see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Is polycythemia a chronic disease?
Doctors may discover it as part of a routine blood check, or they might diagnose it once the person starts experiencing symptoms. PV is a chronic condition with no known cure.
What are treatment options for polycythemia?
The goal of treatment for polycythemia is to reduce the volume of red blood cells to control symptoms and complications and treat any underlying causes.
What are the signs and symptoms of polycythemia?
Symptoms of polycythemia occur gradually over time. The condition may be diagnosed during a normal blood examination or when examining another condition. Symptoms may include: