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Address : Ground floor, Meher Prasad Complex, beside Neeti Gaurav Complex, Ramdaspeth, Nagpur, Maharashtra 440010
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Polycythaemia Vera In Nagpur

Treatments / Polycythaemia Vera In Nagpur

What is the Polycythaemia Vera In Nagpur

Polycythemia vera in nagpur (PV) is a blood disorder that causes your body to produce too many red blood cells. Too many red blood cells can make your blood thick and sluggish and increase your risk of blood clots and complications such as heart attack and stroke.

It can also cause vague but irritating symptoms, such as skin itchiness, ringing in your ears, abdominal pain, nose bleeds and blurred or double vision.

Polycythemia vera is a chronic condition with no cure, but medical care can help you manage symptoms and the risk of complications. Other names for polycythemia vera include primary polycythemia, polycythemia rubra vera, erythema and Osler-Vaquez disease.

Symptoms

Many individuals with polycythemia vera may not experience noticeable signs or symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often vague and can include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and blurred vision.

More specific symptoms of polycythemia vera include:

  • Itchiness, particularly after a warm bath or shower
  • Numbness, tingling, burning, or weakness in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
  • A feeling of fullness shortly after eating, along with bloating or pain in the left upper abdomen due to an enlarged spleen
  • Unusual bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
  • Painful swelling in one joint, often the big toe
  • Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing when lying down

Diagnosis and Tests

Polycythemia vera is diagnosed based on three criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO):
  1. Blood Test Results: This includes evidence of a high red blood cell count, which can be determined by:
    • High hemoglobin levels (the protein in red blood cells)
    • High hematocrit levels (the percentage of red blood cells)
    • Increased blood volume (red cell mass)

  2. Bone Marrow Biopsy Findings: This involves detecting either:
    • An excess of blood cells in the bone marrow
    • An excess of mature megakaryocytes (cells responsible for producing blood platelets)

  3. Additional Tests: The third criterion can be satisfied by either:
    • Molecular testing revealing the presence of the JAK2 gene mutation
    • A blood test indicating very low levels of erythropoietin (a hormone produced by the kidneys that stimulates red blood cell production)

How is polycythemia vera treated?

In the early stages, polycythemia vera (PV) is treated conservatively. Typical treatments include:

Phlebotomy The most common treatment for PV involves regular blood withdrawals, similar to donating blood. A healthcare technician inserts a needle into a vein in your arm and removes a small amount of blood, usually a pint, but the amount can vary based on your condition. This procedure helps reduce your overall blood volume and the number of excess blood cells.

Low-Dose Aspirin This over-the-counter medication is often prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clotting. A low daily dose of aspirin helps prevent blood platelets from sticking together and can also alleviate inflammation symptoms in your hands and feet. However, it can be hard on the stomach and increase the risk of bleeding, so it may not be suitable for those with stomach ulcers.

If your symptoms become more severe or if you have a history of thrombosis (blood clotting) and are considered high-risk, additional treatment options may be recommended. These include:

Treatments to Reduce Itching Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to manage itching symptoms in advanced PV, including:

  • Antihistamines: Over-the-counter allergy medications.
  • Phototherapy: Treatment that combines ultraviolet (UVA) light with psoralen, a compound that makes your skin more receptive to light therapy.
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Typically used to treat depression, but in lower doses, they can be effective against persistent itching.

Drugs that Reduce Red Blood Cell Count These medications may be used individually or in combination, including:

  • Hydroxyurea
  • Interferon alfa
  • Ruxolitinib
  • Busulfan

Clinical Trials Clinical trials provide an opportunity to try new emerging treatments while contributing to medical research. Some medications being researched include:

  • Peginterferon alfa-2a
  • Givinostat
  • Idasanutlin

Bone Marrow Transplant In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be recommended. Your healthcare provider will consider various factors, such as the severity of your condition and your body’s ability to heal.

Supportive Care If PV continues to progress despite treatment, the focus will shift to relieving symptoms. Late-stage PV is often characterized by anemia and an increasingly enlarged spleen. Supportive treatments may include:

  • Pain relief
  • Blood transfusions
  • Low-dose radiation to the spleen

Best Hematology Doctor for Polycythaemia Vera

Dr Rashmi Bande’s Hematology Clinic At Dr Rashmi Bande’s Hematology Clinic, we are dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive care for patients with blood disorders and hematologic conditions. Our Approach to Hematology Care At Dr Rashmi Bande’s Hematology Clinic, we understand that a diagnosis of a blood disorder can be overwhelming.Let’s Contact for more details or book appointment.