$Unique_ID{BRK00852}
$Pretitle{Blood and Blood Forming Organs}
$Title{Is Blood-letting the Only Solution for Polycythemia?}
$Subject{polycythemia symptoms blood-letting}
$Volume{D-7}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is Blood-letting the Only Solution for Polycythemia?


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QUESTION:  Fifteen years ago, my husband was hospitalized and was diagnosed as
polycythemia, no cure.  Since that time, he has had to have one unit of blood
withdrawn four times yearly.  They say blood-letting is the only solution to
his problem.  I would appreciate another opinion.

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ANSWER:  Polycythemia vera is a disease in which all of the elements of the
bone marrow grow at a more rapid rate than normal and in which we see an
increase in the mass of the red blood cells and hemoglobin.  The average age
at onset is about sixty years of age and the disease is seen more in males
than females.  About seven million individuals suffer from polycythemia vera.
Complaints of these patients include fatigue, difficulty in concentration,
headache, drowsiness and forgetfulness, and even dizziness.  About half of
them suffer from itchy skin, particularly after a hot bath.  Most patients'
skin color is normal, but when the physician examines the vessels at the back
of the eye, the veins are dark red, full and betray the presence of a high
level of red cells.  In general, the spleen is also palpable on physical
examination.  In spite of all of this, however, some patients suffer from no
symptoms at all.
     All the textbooks stress that phlebotomy (blood-letting) is part of the
management of every patient.  This relatively simple procedure keeps most
patients symptom-free and maintains the levels of hemoglobin, as well as the
number of red cells within normal limits.
     It is only when the condition cannot be controlled with occasional blood
removals that other drugs are used in conjunction with phlebotomy.  Most of
these medications are still under study and are difficult to administer as
they must be individualized for each patient.
     I am sure that the physicians who are responsible for your husband's care
are aware of all of the latest developments in the therapy of polycythemia,
and that they will use medications as necessary and when necessary since their
prime consideration is for your husband's comfort and welfare.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
