8 Questions
What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes primary polydemia from secondary polydemia?
Genetic mutations
What is the effect of increased blood viscosity in polydemia?
Blood clots and heart attack
Which symptom of polydemia is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain?
Neurological symptoms
What is the purpose of a bone marrow biopsy in the diagnosis of polydemia?
To confirm the diagnosis by examining bone marrow tissue
What is the cause of secondary polydemia in people living at high altitude?
Low oxygen levels
What is the purpose of a complete blood count (CBC) in the diagnosis of polydemia?
To measure hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count
What is the term for an enlarged spleen, which is a symptom of polydemia?
Splenomegaly
Which of the following is NOT a cause of polydemia?
Infection
Study Notes
Polydemia
Types of Polydemia
- Primary Polydemia: Also known as primary polycythemia vera, it's a rare blood disorder characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Secondary Polydemia: Caused by external factors, such as high altitude, chronic lung disease, or tumors that produce erythropoietin, leading to an overproduction of red blood cells.
Effects of Polydemia
- Increased Blood Viscosity: Elevated blood viscosity can lead to blood clots, heart attack, and stroke.
- Organ Damage: Enlarged spleen, increased risk of heart disease, and blood clots in the lungs or legs.
- Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms of Polydemia
- Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: High levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.
- Enlarged Spleen: Splenomegaly, which can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Skin Problems: Itching, redness, and rashes due to increased histamine release from basophils.
- Vision Disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision, and eye pain due to increased blood viscosity.
Causes of Polydemia
- Genetic Mutations: Mutations in the JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes can lead to primary polydemia.
- Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can stimulate the production of erythropoietin, leading to secondary polydemia.
- High Altitude: Living at high altitudes can lead to secondary polydemia due to low oxygen levels.
Diagnosis of Polydemia
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count.
- Blood Smear: Examines blood cells for abnormalities.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: Confirms the diagnosis by examining bone marrow tissue.
- Genetic Testing: Identifies genetic mutations associated with primary polydemia.
Polydemia
Types of Polydemia
- Primary Polydemia: A rare blood disorder characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, also known as primary polycythemia vera.
- Secondary Polydemia: Caused by external factors, such as high altitude, chronic lung disease, or tumors that produce erythropoietin, leading to an overproduction of red blood cells.
Effects of Polydemia
- Increased Blood Viscosity: Elevated blood viscosity can lead to blood clots, heart attack, and stroke due to reduced blood flow.
- Organ Damage: Enlarged spleen, increased risk of heart disease, and blood clots in the lungs or legs.
- Neurological Symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, and fatigue due to reduced blood flow to the brain.
Symptoms of Polydemia
- Elevated Hemoglobin and Hematocrit: High levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood.
- Enlarged Spleen: Splenomegaly, which can cause abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Skin Problems: Itching, redness, and rashes due to increased histamine release from basophils.
- Vision Disturbances: Blurred vision, double vision, and eye pain due to increased blood viscosity.
Causes of Polydemia
- Genetic Mutations: Mutations in the JAK2, MPL, or CALR genes can lead to primary polydemia.
- Chronic Inflammation: Chronic inflammation can stimulate the production of erythropoietin, leading to secondary polydemia.
- High Altitude: Living at high altitudes can lead to secondary polydemia due to low oxygen levels.
Diagnosis of Polydemia
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): Measures hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count.
- Blood Smear: Examines blood cells for abnormalities.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: Confirms the diagnosis by examining bone marrow tissue.
- Genetic Testing: Identifies genetic mutations associated with primary polydemia.
Learn about the types of polydemia, including primary and secondary polydemia, and their effects on the body, such as increased blood viscosity.
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