Polycythemia

Polycythemia: Complications

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by polycythemia: Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Visual disturbances, unspecified Blood, hematopoietic organs – immune system (D50-D90). Hemorrhagic diathesis (increased bleeding tendency). Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hyperuricemia Cardiovascular system (I00-I99) Apoplexy (stroke) Budd-Chiari syndrome … Polycythemia: Complications

Polycythemia: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body temperature, body weight, body height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin, mucous membranes, and sclerae (white part of the eye) [sweating, plethora (excessive bloodiness)] Abdomen (abdomen) Shape of the abdomen? Skin color? Skin texture? Efflorescences (skin … Polycythemia: Examination

Polycythemia: Medical History

Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of polycythemia. Family history Is there a frequent history of cardiovascular disease, tumor disease in your family? Social anamnesis Current medical history/systemic medical history (somatic and psychological complaints). Have you noticed symptoms such as general weakness, headache, fatigue? How long have these changes … Polycythemia: Medical History

Polycythemia: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Polycystic kidney disease – kidney disease due to multiple cysts (fluid-filled cavities); some with autosomal dominant as well as autosomal recessive inheritance (see below Cystic kidney disease). Respiratory system (J00-J99) Chronic pulmonary disease, unspecified [secondary erythrocytosis due to arterial hypoxia/oxygen deficiency). Blood, hematopoietic organs – immune system (D50-D90). … Polycythemia: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Polycythemia: Test and Diagnosis

1st order laboratory parameters – obligatory laboratory tests. Small blood count Differential blood count Laboratory parameters 2nd order – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein). Liver parameters – alanine aminotransferase (ALT, GPT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST, GOT), glutamate … Polycythemia: Test and Diagnosis

Polycythemia: Drug Therapy

Therapeutic target Risk reduction of thromboembolic complications → hematocrit value (Hk: volume fraction of cellular elements in the blood; because erythrocytes physiologically represent 99% of the total volume of blood cells, Hkt corresponds to the volume fraction of all erythrocytes in total blood ): < 45 % Therapy recommendations in polycythaemia vera (PV) For mild … Polycythemia: Drug Therapy

Polycythemia: Diagnostic Tests

Mandatory medical device diagnostics. Abdominal ultrasonography (ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs) – for basic diagnostics. Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Echocardiography (echo; cardiac ultrasound) – for suspected structural heart disease. X-ray of the thorax (X-ray thorax/chest), … Polycythemia: Diagnostic Tests

Polycythemia: Prevention

To prevent polycythemia, attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Staying in high mountains Cigarette smoking Other risk factors Severe desiccosis (dehydration) – passive erythrocytosis (increase in the number of red blood cells) with concomitant increase in hematocrit (proportion of erythrocytes in the volume of blood) and hemoglobin concentration.

Polycythemia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate polycythemia: Drowsiness Weight loss Headache Lip cyanosis (blue lips; unoxygenated hemoglobin rises to more than 5 g/dL in capillary blood) Upper abdominal discomfort Paresthesias (insensations) in the extremities. Weakness Dizziness (Vertigo) Sweating Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) The following symptoms and complaints may indicate polycythaemia vera: Nonspecific symptoms: … Polycythemia: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Polycythemia: Causes

Pathogenesis (disease development) Polycythaemia vera (primary polycythemia; primary polyglobulia) is due to a disorder of the myeloid stem cell characterized by autonomous proliferation of the three cell series: EPO (erythropoietin)-independent, irreversible, and progressive increase in erythrocyte (red blood cell) production. Increased proliferation of granulopoiesis (development of granulocytes/a group of white blood cells) and megakaryopoiesis (development … Polycythemia: Causes

Polycythemia: Therapy

General measures Therapy for polycythemia depends on the exact cause. Nicotine restriction (refraining from tobacco use). Aim for normal weight!Determination of BMI (Body Mass Index, body mass index) or body composition using electrical impedance analysis. Below the BMI lower limit (from the age of 45: 22; from the age of 55: 23; from the age … Polycythemia: Therapy