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Primary thrombocythemia

Alternative Names: Essential thrombocythemia; Essential thrombocytosis Treatment: If a patient is having life-threatening complications, rapid decrease of the platelet count may be achieved through platelet pheresis, a procedure to remove platelets from the blood directly. Text Continues Below Long-term decrease of the platelet count using medications can reduce both bleeding and clotting complications. Most common medications include hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, or anagrelide. For patients with a known clotting tendency, aspirin may help decrease clotting episodes. Some patients do not need any treatment. Expectations (prognosis): The outcome varies with reports ranging from prolonged periods without complications in some people, to fatalities from complications related to hemorrhage and thrombosis in others. Complications: Severe hemorrhage Thrombotic episodes (stroke, heart attack, or blood clots in extremities) Acute leukemia or myelofibrosis can develop in some patients Calling your health care provider: If unexplained or prolonged bleeding occurs. If chest pain, leg pain, confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms develop.

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