Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia (Essential Thrombocythemia)
Overview
Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia: A rare blood disorder characterized by increased number of platelets in the blood which often results in an enlarged spleen, bleeding and blood vessel blockages.
Symptoms
The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia includes the 18 symptoms listed below: * Spontaneous bleeding * Coughing up blood * Melena * Menorrhagia * Anemia * Increased platelets * Nosebleed * Easy bleeding * Gastrointestinal tract bleeding * Peripheral vascular ischemia * Pulmonary emboli * Deep vein thrombosis * Digital ischemia * Central nervous system ischemia * Transient ischemic attacks * Headache * Dizziness * Enlarged spleen Note that Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.
Causes
* Anemia * Central nervous system ischemia * Coughing up blood * Deep vein thrombosis * Dizziness * Enlarged spleen * Headache * Increased platelets * Melena * Menorrhagia * Nosebleed * Transient ischemic attacks
Diagnosis
These home medical tests may be relevant to Hemorrhagic thrombocythemia: * Fatigue: Related Home Tests: o Home Anemia Tests o Home Thyroid Function Tests o Home Adrenal Function Tests o Home Calcium Deficiency Tests o Home HIV Tests
Prognosis
The outcome varies. Some people have prolonged periods without complications, while complications related to hemorrhage and thrombosis lead to death in others.
Treatment
If a patient has life-threatening complications, platelet pheresis, a procedure to remove platelets from the blood directly, can rapidly decrease the platelet count. 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.
Resources
Call your health care provider: * If unexplained or prolonged bleeding occurs * If chest pain, leg pain, confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms develop