Platelets and Venisections.

[AirconBob]

Hi All,

I have been told by a reliable source that venisections only affect Haematocrit - no effect on platelets. Anybody have any views on this.

I also often wonder what the incidence of PV really is in the UK, there seems to be confusion In number of people diagnosed per year, or total affected, and whether these figures are for PV or all MPN's.

Bob, PV 3 years, Hydroxy, Asprin & Venisections.

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

Hi Bob, this might help

mpnvoice.org.uk/about-mpns/...

mpnvoice.org.uk/about-mpns/...

Maz

[AirconBob in reply to Mazcd]

Thanks Maz - So if you extrapolate the figures and assume life expectancy to average 15 years from diagnosis then there are around 30 per 100,000 at any given time - or 0.03% - no wonder it does not get a lot of attention.

Fee - That explanation makes excellent sense, I was starting to suspect that I was being diverted to Hydroxy on economic grounds. Thanks for your input.

[revfee]

Hi Bob

my understanding is that whilst venesections are effective to reduce haematocrit, repeated use can actually stiimulate platelet production as the bodies response to bleeding is to increase platelets to cope with the threat. I started with lots of venesections as well as hydroxycarbamide but the venesections were largely stopped when my platelets became involved.

best wishes, Fee