Seminars in hematology
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Seminars in hematology · Apr 2004
ReviewPropensity for hemorrhage and thrombosis in chronic myeloproliferative disorders.
Polycythemia vera (PV) and essential thrombocythemia (ET) are two myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) with frequent thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. Thrombosis is often the cause of mortality in PV and ET; hemorrhage occurs more commonly in idiopathic myelofibrosis patients, but is rarely fatal. Thromboses may occur in arteries or veins. ⋯ These findings provide several potential reasons for thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications in MPD patients. Therefore, the best therapy for these patients is reduction of their platelet counts to less than 450,000/microL and close regulation of their hematocrits. The role of leukocytosis in bleeding or hemorrhage in this population remains to be elucidated.