Clinical haematology · UKMLA & AKT
Polycythaemia vera
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Clonal myeloproliferative neoplasm - overproduction of red cells (and often WBCs and platelets)
- JAK2 V617F mutation present in >95% - causes constitutive EPO-receptor signalling → EPO-independent erythropoiesis
- Serum EPO is low or suppressed (distinguishes PV from secondary erythrocytosis where EPO is raised)
- Median age at diagnosis ~60 years; slightly more common in men
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