Pathogenesis of polycythemia

Pathogenesis of polycythemia vera.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Polycythemia vera (PV) is an acquired clonal myeloproliferative disorder characterized by increased production of mature red cells. We still lack a molecular target responsible for this disorder; however, recent investigations have focused on a number of molecules involved in signal transduction pathways mediated by erythropoietin (Epo) and other growth factors. Here we...

Relative Polycythemia—The Polycythemia of Stress *

In a group of normal subjects going from sea level to approximately 16,000 feet we observed that very soon after arrival at high altitude there was hemoconcentration, as indicated by an increased red cell count and hematocrit, but a normal total red cell volume and a low plasma volume. This "apparent increase" in the number of red blood cells in the early days after arrival at high altitude is,...

Molecular Pathogenesis and Therapy of Polycythemia Induced in Mice by JAK2 V617F

BACKGROUND A somatic activating mutation (V617F) in the JAK2 tyrosine kinase was recently discovered in the majority of patients with polycythemia vera (PV), and some with essential thrombocythemia (ET) and chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. However, the role of mutant JAK2 in disease pathogenesis is unclear. METHODS AND FINDINGS We expressed murine JAK2 WT or V617F via retroviral bone marrow ...

Pathogenesis of polycythemia vera: do we have the right pieces to the puzzle?

Polycythemia of the newborn

Polycythemia is defined as a venous hematocrite above 65%. The relationship between viscosity and hematocrite is almost linear till 65% and exponential thereafter. The etiology of polycythemia is related either to intrauterine hypoxia or secondary to fetal transfusion. Most polycythaemic infants are asymptomatic. Increased viscosity of blood may be associated with symptoms of hypoperfusion. Cli...