Polycythemia vera: the natural history of 1213 patients followed for 20 years
Article Abstract:
Myelosuppressive chemotherapy of polycythemia vera may suppress the production of red blood cells at the risk of cancer. Polycythemia vera is a rare blood disorder characterized by an overproduction of red blood cells, often the cause of thrombosis. Researchers studied the progression of polycythemia vera in 1,213 patients over a period of 20 years. Thrombotic events typically occurred two years prior to diagnosis. More than 40% of patients had thrombotic events. The overall mortality of 2.9 per 100 patients per year reflected a median survival of 15 years, depending on age. Men had a higher mortality than women at any age. Aggressive myelosuppressive chemotherapy caused more frequent cancer and death among patients compared to those on other medications. Alternative anti-thrombotic drugs need to be evaluated.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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Hypercoagulability in venous and arterial thrombosis
Article Abstract:
Venous clots and arterial clots may have different causes. About 20% of European-descent patients with venous clots have a genetic abnormality. They can be identified by genetic analysis. They may benefit from anticlotting medication at times of risk such as surgery or long-term, depending on the severity of the problem. Patients with arterial clots usually develop them as a complication of forming atherosclerotic plaques within blood vessels, but they may also have abnormalities of their clotting mechanism. The abnormality increases their risk of coronary artery disease. Tests for fibrinogen levels and factor VII activity help identify them.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1997
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Polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia in a general population
Article Abstract:
People with polycythemia vera or essential thrombocythemia will probably remain healthy and have few problems from these two conditions, according to a study of 10,000 people. Polycythemia vera is a high red blood cell count and essential thrombocythemia is a high blood platelet count. Even though these blood cells are present in greater than normal amounts, this does not appear to cause serious health problems.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 2003
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