Polycythemia Rubra Vera

Abstract

This study spreading over year 1989 to 1999, was conducted at hSTH and includes fifteen selected cases of Polycythemia Rubra vera (PV). The most incident age was 65 years; male 13 were more affected than females. Common symptoms were pruritis, heartburn, dissiness, headache and vertigo. common signs were generalized plethora, splenomegaly, dilated and engorged retinal veins and hypertension. The most sensitive tests were raised hemoglobin (Hb%), red blood cell (RBC) count, and panmyelosis (i.e. raised RBC count, TLC and platelet count) with characteristically low ESR (0-3). Specific tests included raised red cell mass (26 - 34) ml/kg for male and 21 - 29 ml/kg in female) and normal P02 (>92%). Phlebotomy was the initial treatemnt to control the symptoms of hyperviscosity and the response was dramatic. However long-term management included p for those above 60 years and Hydrea for the young (i.e. below 60 years). Two patients were lost to the follow up; rest of the 13 patients are still alive and in reasonably good control and come for regular follow ups. there have been no complications.