Haem: Polycythaemia: Free MSRA Podcast

🩸 FREE MSRA PODCAST – Polycythaemia Vera: JAK2, Clots &Core Concepts 🎧In this haematologydeep dive, we break down everything you need to know about polycythaemia vera (PV) and its differentials.From JAK2 mutations to therapeuticphlebotomy, we cover it all with memory aids and exam-friendly explanations.Whether you're revising for the MSRA or brushing up for clinical practice, thisepisode simplifies it, step by step. 🧠Key Learning Points📌DefinitionPolycythaemia = anincrease in red blood cell mass• PV = primary polycythaemia, caused by bone marrow overproduction• Secondarypolycythaemia = due to external signals(e.g. hypoxia, EPO)• Relativepolycythaemia = plasma volume depletion,not true RBC excess 📌Causes🔬Primary – JAK2 mutation (95% of PV cases), bone marrowstem cell disorder🔬Secondary – driven by ↑ erythropoietin: – Chronic hypoxia(COPD, OSA, altitude) – Renal cellcarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma – Smoking,testosterone, EPO abuse🔬Relative – dehydration, diuretics, stress (e.g. Gaisböcksyndrome)🧠 Mnemonic: HALT – Hypoxia,Abnormal EPO (tumours), Lung disease, Testosterone/EPO 📌Pathophysiology• PV = JAK2 mutation → bone marrow becomeshypersensitive to EPO → ↑ RBCs• Thickened blood →increased viscosity → sluggish flow →clot risk• Often affects RBCs, WBCs & platelets 📌Symptoms• Headaches,dizziness, visual disturbances• Pruritus(especially after hot showers)• Facial plethora(ruddy complexion)• Splenomegaly →early satiety• Fatigue• Thrombotic events(DVT, PE, stroke, MI)• May beasymptomatic and picked up on FBC 📌Investigations🔍 FBC: ↑ Hb, ↑ HCT🔍 JAK2 mutation testing🔍 Serum EPO: ↓ in PV, ↑ in secondary causes🔍 ABG (check for hypoxia)🔍 Ultrasound/CT (if suspect tumour or splenomegaly)🔍 Bone marrow biopsy if unclear🔍 Red cell mass study (to confirm true polycythaemiavs relative)🧠 Mnemonic: JABES – JAK2,ABG, Bone marrow, EPO, Splenic imaging 📌Management🎯Goals: Reduce clot risk + relieve symptoms• Venesection (phlebotomy) – keep HCT <45%• Low-dose aspirin – reduce thrombosis• Hydroxyurea – for high-risk or older patients• Interferon – alternative in younger or pregnantpatients• Treat secondary causes – e.g. smokingcessation, COPD control• Lifelong haematology follow-up 📌Complications• Thrombosis – main cause of morbidity andmortality• Myelofibrosis – scarring of bone marrow• Acute leukaemia (AML) – in long-term cases• Haemorrhage – paradoxical bleeding due toplatelet dysfunction• Cardiovascular disease – due to chronic strain 📎More MSRA Resourcesfor Polycythaemia Vera📝 Revision Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/polycythaemia-vera-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/polycythaemia-vera-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/polycythaemia-vera-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz:https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/polycythaemia-vera-rapid-quiz/🎓 Full Haematology Course:https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/haematology-for-the-msra/ #MSRA #MSRAQuiz#MSRAFlashcards #MSRARevisionNotes #MSRAAccordions #PolycythaemiaVera #JAK2#HaematologyMSRA #PassTheMSRA #FreeMSRA #GPTraining #MedicalRevision#MyeloproliferativeDisorders