blood disorders
Polycythemia Vera
Treatment of Polycythemia Vera
Removing blood (phlebotomy) to reduce the number of red cells Medications as needed to decrease the number of platelets, prevent complications, or relieve symptoms With treatment, most people with polycythemia vera survive for many years. About 15% of people develop Myelofibrosis , and a small percentage develop Treatment does not cure polycythemia vera, but it can control it and decrease the likelihood of complications, such as the formation of blood clots. The aim of treatment is to decrease the number of red blood cells. Usually, blood is removed from the body in a procedure called phlebotomy, which is similar to the way blood is removed when Blood Donation Process . Up to 1 pint (about a half liter) of blood is removed every other day until the hematocrit reaches a normal level. Then blood is removed as needed to maintain the hematocrit at a normal level, for example, every 1 to 3 months. Aspirincan help relieve symptoms related to the high platelet counts, such as migraines that affect vision and burning pain and redness of the hands and feet. However,aspirinhas not been proven to decrease the risk of blood clots in polycythemia vera and does not benefit people who do not have symptoms People who continue to have symptoms after having phlebotomy may need other treatments. For such people, doctors may useruxolitinib, a drug that inhibits the activity ofJAK2, or other medications, including pegylatedinterferon alfa-2b,anagrelide, orhydroxyurea. Stem cells from bone marrow is the only cure for polycythemia vera but is recommended only when polycythemia vera is complicated by reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or Phototherapy can help relieve itching. 