Comprehensive Guide to Polycythemia Vera: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

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BEST BMT Dr.Pawan Kumar Singh
Dr Pawan Kumar Singh
Dr Pawan Kumar Singh has the experience of
performing more than 500 bone marrow transplants
(including Autologous /Allogenic /Haplo /MDU )for
both malignant and non-malignant disorders.
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Content List
Introduction Polycythemia Vera
Symptoms Of PV
Causes Of PV
Treatment Options
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Introduction
This comprehensive guide delves into Polycythemia
Vera (PV), a rare hematologic condition
characterized by the excessive production of red
blood cells in the bone marrow. Classified under
myeloproliferative neoplasms, PV causes an
overabundance of blood cells, which thickens the
blood and leads to potential complications.
Throughout this exploration, we'll delve into the
intricate details of PV, discussing its symptoms,
causes, diagnostic methods, and treatment
options. Furthermore, we'll underscore the
significance of seeking expert medical
assistance, including the quest for the finest
bone marrow transplant (BMT) Specialist In Delhi.
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Understanding Polycythemia Vera
Polycythemia Vera originates from a mutation in
the bone marrow's stem cells, leading to the
uncontrolled production of red blood cells. This
overproduction thickens the blood, making it flow
more sluggishly through the body's blood vessels,
increasing the risk of clotting. PV can affect
individuals of any age but is more common in
adults around 60 years of age.
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Symptoms of Polycythemia Vera

• Headaches Frequent and severe headaches are a
  common complaint among PV patients.
• Fatigue Due to the thickened blood, the body's
  organs may not receive adequate oxygen, leading
  to persistent fatigue.
• Itching Unexplained itching, particularly after
  exposure to warm water, is a common symptom of
  PV.

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• Blurred vision The increased viscosity of blood
  can affect blood flow to the eyes, resulting in
  blurred vision.
• Dizziness or lightheadedness Reduced blood flow
  to the brain can cause dizziness or
  lightheadedness.

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Causes of Treatment Options
The exact cause of PV remains unknown, although
it is primarily linked to a mutation in the JAK2
gene. This mutation leads to the uncontrolled
production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
While the specific triggers for this mutation are
unclear, certain risk factors may increase the
likelihood of developing PV, including genetic
predisposition and environmental factors.
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Diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera

• Diagnosing PV involves a combination of medical
  history review, physical examination, and
  laboratory tests. Key diagnostic tests include
• Complete Blood Count (CBC) Elevated red blood
  cell count is a primary indicator of PV.
• JAK2 Mutation Test This genetic test helps
  identify the JAK2 mutation present in the
  majority of PV patients.
• Bone Marrow Biopsy A sample of bone marrow is
  examined to confirm the diagnosis and assess the
  extent of cell proliferation.

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Treatment Options for Polycythemia Vera

• Phlebotomy This procedure involves removing a
  specific amount of blood to reduce the thickness
  and viscosity of the blood.
• Medications Prescription medications such as
  hydroxyurea or interferon-alpha may be prescribed
  to suppress the bone marrow's overactivity.
• Aspirin Therapy Low-dose aspirin is often
  recommended to reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Biological Therapies In some cases, biological
  therapies such as JAK inhibitors may be used to
  target the underlying genetic mutation

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