polycythaemia
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pol·y·cy·the·mi·a
(pol'ē-sī-thē'mē-ă)[poly- + G. kytos, cell, + haima, blood]
Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012
polycythaemia
An abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells as a result of increased red cell production by the bone marrow. This occurs naturally in people living at high altitudes (secondary polycythaemia) but may occur for no apparent reason (polycythaemia vera) causing flushed skin, headaches, high blood pressure (HYPERTENSION) and blurred vision. STROKE is a common complication. Treatment is by regular bloodletting (venesection) sometimes supplemented by the use of anticancer drugs or radioactive phosphorus. An American study reports that low-dose aspirin can safely prevent thrombotic complications in people with this disease. A gene for polycythaemia vera was reported in 1998.Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005
pol·y·cy·the·mi·a
(pol'ē-sī-thē'mē-ă)[poly- + G. kytos, cell, + haima, blood]
Medical Dictionary for the Dental Professions © Farlex 2012