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Investigation and Management of Erythrocytosis

  • Myeloproliferative Disorders (C Harrison, Section Editor)
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Abstract

An absolute erythrocytosis is present when the red cell mass is greater than 125 % of the predicted value for sex and body mass. It can have a primary or secondary and congenital or acquired cause. New causes particularly congenital continue to be discovered and investigated. Investigation for the cause starts with repeat and confirmation of the raised hemoglobin and measurement of an erythropoietin level to indicate whether to pursue primary or secondary causes and then further investigations as appropriate. Management options include low dose aspirin and venesection. Specific management advice is available for certain specific clinical situations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Haematology, Belfast City Hospital, Queen’s University Belfast, C Floor, Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 7AB, Ireland

    Mary Frances McMullin

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  1. Mary Frances McMullin
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Correspondence to Mary Frances McMullin.

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Mary Frances McMullin reports personal fees from Novartis and Shire.

Human and Animal Rights and Informed Consent

This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Myeloproliferative Disorders

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McMullin, M.F. Investigation and Management of Erythrocytosis. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 11, 342–347 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-016-0334-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11899-016-0334-1

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