From the Guidelines
The medical term for having thick blood that requires phlebotomy is Hemochromatosis (HH), a condition characterized by excessive iron accumulation in the body, leading to thick blood and various organ damages. This condition occurs when the body absorbs too much iron from food, causing the iron to build up in tissues and organs, leading to damage and disease. The most common treatment for HH is therapeutic phlebotomy, which involves the removal of blood from the body to reduce iron levels and alleviate symptoms.
Key Points to Consider:
- According to the 2011 practice guideline by the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases 1, phlebotomy remains the mainstay of treatment for HH, with the goal of reducing tissue iron stores to normal and improving survival, sense of well-being, and cardiac function.
- The frequency of phlebotomy varies among individuals, with some patients requiring maintenance phlebotomy monthly, while others may need only 1-2 units of blood removed per year 1.
- In addition to phlebotomy, patients with HH should avoid supplemental vitamin C, as it can accelerate iron mobilization and increase the risk of sudden death in patients with advanced disease 1.
- While polycythemia vera is another condition that can cause thick blood, the provided evidence suggests that HH is a more relevant condition in the context of phlebotomy and iron accumulation 1.
- It is essential to note that the decision to treat HH with phlebotomy is straightforward for patients with evidence of liver disease or other end-organ manifestations, but may be more complex for patients with mild symptoms or elevated ferritin levels 1.
- The 2003 review on polycythemia vera provides additional context on the treatment of thick blood conditions, but the more recent and comprehensive guideline on HH 1 takes precedence in informing treatment decisions.
From the Research
Medical Term for Thick Blood
The medical term for having thick blood and needing phlebotomy is Polycythemia Vera (PV) 2, 3, 4, 5.
Characteristics of Polycythemia Vera
- Characterized by an increased red blood cell mass and increased risk of thrombosis 3
- Erythrocytosis (hemoglobin >16.5 mg/dL in men or >16.0 mg/dL in women) is a required diagnostic criterion 3
- Thrombocytosis (53%) and leukocytosis (49%) are common 3
- Patients may have pruritus (33%), erythromelalgia (5.3%), transient visual changes (14%), and splenomegaly (36%) with abdominal discomfort 3
Treatment of Polycythemia Vera
- All patients with PV require phlebotomy to keep hematocrit below 45% and once-daily or twice-daily aspirin (81 mg), in the absence of contraindications 2, 3, 5
- Cytoreductive therapy is recommended for high-risk ET and PV, but it is not mandatory for intermediate-risk ET 2
- First-line drug of choice for cytoreductive therapy, in both ET and PV, is hydroxyurea and second-line drugs of choice are interferon-α and busulfan 2, 5