If the bone marrow functions abnormally, a condition may develop in which there may be an overproduction of red blood cells. This disease is called polycythemia vera (PV). This makes the blood thicker and more viscous, which can have serious consequences. This can cause complaints such as circulation disorders that may cause tingling, vision problems or thrombosis, or have fatal consequences such as a stroke. The average life expectancy for someone with PV is between 10 and 20 years.
What it is
The medical name for this disease is polycythemia vera , abbreviated PV . The blood disease is also called Vaquez-Osler . There is an excessive production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. There may also be an overproduction of platelets and white blood cells. This disease is quite rare and every year about 300 people in the Netherlands receive this diagnosis. This means that approximately 1 in 200,000 people will develop this disease. The disease develops slowly. As someone gets older, the prognosis will be less good. This condition is slightly more common in men than in women.
The symptoms
Symptoms often start to appear because circulation problems arise in the small blood vessels. This can lead to tingling, pain or blue-colored fingers and toes. The blood becomes thick and viscous and complications in blood circulation can lead to the following complaints:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vision problems
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Itch
- Red face
- Vein infections
- Abdominal pain due to enlarged spleen or liver
- Stomach ulcers
- Gout
- Kidney stones
- Spontaneous bleeding
- Heavy menstruation
Thrombosis
A serious complication that can arise is thrombosis. This means that a blood clot is formed in the blood vessel that can cause blockage of that blood vessel. The symptoms that arise depend on where the clot is located. It can lead to pain, swelling and redness. When a clot forms in the brain, a TIA or stroke can occur. A blood clot in the heart can lead to a heart attack and a clot in the lungs can lead to a pulmonary embolism.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made on the basis of a physical examination, which also examines the size of the spleen. As a result of PV this often enlarges. A laboratory test gives a clear picture of the blood and which blood cells are too high in number. Furthermore, a bone marrow examination, an X-ray or ultrasound of the spleen can diagnose polycythemia vera. In some cases, a lung function test is also performed.
Outlook
Although the disease has a slow course, the complications can be fatal. The patient’s prospects depend on the complications. On average, people who develop this disease have a life expectancy of between 10 and 20 years after being diagnosed if they are treated. Without treatment, about half die within two years. Young people generally have a better prognosis than older people. Someone with this disease lives an average of 60 years.
Therapy
Unfortunately, PV cannot be cured, but treatment can be started to control the symptoms. Someone who has no history of thrombosis and no risk factors for the development of cardiovascular disease poses a low risk. A wait-and-see attitude is often adopted. When someone is at high risk, for example due to a history of thrombosis or an age over 60 years, treatment is often chosen. You can opt for a treatment that reduces the development of the blood system by prescribing aspirin or Ascal. Sometimes it is decided to take blood so that it contains fewer blood cells. This is also called bloodletting.
read more
- Blood disorder: too many red blood cells
- Blood clotting disorders
