| Introduction
Measuring
WBCs
Myeloid
Leukemias
Lymphoid
Leukemias
Sources
of Error
Quiz
Please |
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Polycythemia
vera
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Stem cell neoplasm, just
like CML, but it's the erythroid line that's most prolific.
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Results in increased RBC
production.
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Hemoglobin may be as high as
28 gm%
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Hematocrit as high as 60%
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To a lesser extent WBCs and
platelets.
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WBCs usually less than 50,000
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Platelets may exceed 500,000
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Often marked splenomegaly
due to extramedulary hematopoiesis.
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Hyperviscosity of blood
due to increased RBCs.
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Heart failure.
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Slow moving blood.
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Poor oxygenation.
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Increased risk of thrombosis
and bleeding.
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Most patients progress to a
"spent"
phase, marked by marrow fibrosis
and complete burnout of myeloid tissue.
-
Rarely (<2%) a PCV patient
will develop a blast crisis similar to CML
Essential
thrombocytosis.
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