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CCBY-NCSA_V3.0_US, Open Access
Thesis
The Evaluation of Polycythemia and the Diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera
Washington State University
Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
05/2001
Handle:
https://hdl.handle.net/2376/3936
Abstract
Polycythemia vera (PV) is a rare clonal blood disorder marked by an elevated hematocrit, hemoglobin, and red cell mass. Although the etiology is unknown, PV is characterized by the proliferation of hematopoietic progenitor cells which creates an increased red cell mass accompanied by an expanded blood volume. Red blood cell production continues independent of increased blood viscosity. Onset is insidious and the patient may present without symptoms or complain of headache, dizziness, or pruritus. Physical examination typically reveals splenomegaly, plethora, and retinal vein engorgement. Laboratory features include leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and erythrocytosis. Serum erythropoietin levels are low or absent. PV must be distinguished from relative and secondary polycythemia. Relative polycythemia causes a moderate increase in hematocrit frequently secondary to fluid contraction. The red cell mass, although not truly increased, reflects hemoconcentration. Secondary polycythemia is suspected, if an elevated hematocrit occurs without leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and splenomegaly. The red cell mass measurement and serum erythropoietin level will be increased. Tests used in the differential diagnosis of PV include red cell mass determination, erythropoietin assays, arterial oxygen saturation, and renal ultrasounds. Regular phlebotomy is the safest treatment for PV. Myelosuppressive agents may be given in addition to phlebotomy therapy. The median survival time for patients with PV is 11 to 15 years with appropriate medical treatment.
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Details
- Title
- The Evaluation of Polycythemia and the Diagnosis of Polycythemia Vera
- Creators
- Kerri Lantz Petersen
- Contributors
- Lorna Schumann (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Washington State University
- Academic Unit
- Research Projects, College of Nursing
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Nursing (MN), Washington State University
- Publisher
- Washington State University; Spokane, Washington
- Identifiers
- 99900590730001842
- Copyright
- http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us; Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 United States (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 US)
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Thesis