From the Research
Polycythemia vera is associated with renal artery thrombosis, a condition that can lead to acute kidney injury and potentially require hemodialysis. This association is attributed to the increased blood viscosity and thrombotic risk in polycythemia vera patients, as reported in a case study published in 2024 1. The study highlights the importance of monitoring kidney function in patients with polycythemia vera and promptly addressing any signs of renal impairment.
Key Points
- Renal artery thrombosis is a potential complication of polycythemia vera, as demonstrated by a case report in Cureus 1
- The increased risk of thrombosis in polycythemia vera is due to the hyperviscosity of blood and the presence of the JAK2 mutation, as discussed in a review article in JAMA 2
- Clinicians should monitor kidney function regularly in patients with polycythemia vera through blood tests and urinalysis to detect early signs of renal impairment
- Treatment of the underlying polycythemia vera with cytoreductive therapy and phlebotomy can help reduce the risk of kidney complications by improving blood viscosity and circulation to the kidneys, as recommended in a review article in the American journal of hematology 3
Management
- Patients with polycythemia vera should receive therapeutic phlebotomy to maintain a hematocrit of less than 45% and low-dose aspirin to reduce the risk of thrombosis, as recommended in a review article in JAMA 2
- Cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea or interferon may be necessary for patients at high risk of thrombosis or with persistent symptoms, as discussed in a review article in the American journal of hematology 3
- Regular monitoring of kidney function and prompt treatment of any renal complications are crucial to preventing long-term kidney damage in patients with polycythemia vera.