PROJECT WORK ON POLYCYTHEMIA

INTRODUCTION ON  POLYCYTHEMIA

1.1   POLYCYTHEMIA

Polycythemia (also known as polycythaemia or polyglobulia) is a disease state in which the proportion of blood volume that is occupied by red blood cells increases. Blood volume proportions can be measured as hematocrit level. It can be due to an increase in the number of red blood cells ("absolute polycythemia") or to a decrease in the volume of plasma ("relative polycythemia"). Polycythemia is sometimes called erythrocytosis, but the terms are not synonymous because polycythemia refers to any increase in red blood cells, whereas erythrocytosis only refers to a documented increase of red cell mass.

The emergency treatment of polycythemia (e.g., in hyperviscosity or thrombosis) is by venesection, the removal of blood from the circulation. Depending on the underlying cause, venesection may also be used on a regular basis to reduce the red blood cell count. Cytostatics (busulfan, hydroxyurea) are sometimes used if venesection is ineffective or contraindicated. ( Dorland's Medical Dictionary)

The major determinant of blood viscosity is the haematocrit. Polycythaemia is generally defined as a central haematocrit of 65% or more. The viscosity of blood rises exponentially above a haematocrit of 65%. However, not all infants who are polycythaemic have hyperviscosity. Blood viscosity correlates better with symptoms than the haematocrit, highlighting that haematocrit is not he only determinant of blood viscosity. As blood viscosity is not easily measured in the nursery, haematocrit is usually used as the basis for diagnosis and treatment. Studies of partial exchange transfusion have yet to show unequivocal benefits. (Spivak JL. Br J Haematol )

1.2   ANEMIA

Anemia is a condition that develops when your blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a main part of red blood cells and binds oxygen. If you have too few or abnormal red blood cells, or your hemoglobin is abnormal or low, the cells in your body will not get enough oxygen. Symptoms of anemia -- like fatigue -- occur because organs aren't getting what they need to function properly.

Anemia is the most common blood condition in the U.S. It affects about 3.5 million Americans. Women, young children, and people with chronic diseases are at increased risk of anemia. Important factors to remember are:

• Certain forms of anemia are hereditary and infants may be affected from the time of birth.
• Women in the childbearing years are particularly susceptible to iron-deficiency anemia because of the blood loss from menstruation and the increased blood supply demands during pregnancy.
• Older adults also may have a greater risk of developing anemia because of poor diet and other medical conditions.

There are many types of anemia. All are very different in their causes and treatments. Iron-deficiency anemia, the most common type, is very treatable with diet changes and iron supplements. Some forms of anemia -- like the anemia that develops during pregnancy -- are even considered normal. However, some types of anemia may present lifelong health problems.( Albemarle Pulmonary Medical Associates, PA.)

1.2   Aim and Objective

1. to determine the significant of polycythermia in the hosipal

2. to determine the age group being affected by  polycythermia

3. to determine the  level of sex being affected by polycythermia