| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test |
| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Primary thrombocythemia |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Essential thrombocythemia; Essential thrombocytosis |
| Treatment: |
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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. 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: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
Blood cells |
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