PV with high MCV,high RDW ,all other parameters normal - what does it mean ?

[Iwillwin123]

Was diagnosed with PV in 2019 in February 2019. Was put on Hydroxyurea. Now in February my blood reports are looking much better with all other parameters normal , but however only my MCV (108.7) and MCH (37.5) are higher than before .Also the RDW (14.9) is higher than before.

All other blood parameters are normal.

Would anyone please give an opinion on what this could mean in terms of the PV ?

[mhos61]

It’s a side effect of hydrea. Mine are slightly raised too since being on hydrea.

A forum member once said their Haematologist said this is a way they know if you’re still taking the medication, so obviously must be expected.

[Iwillwin123 in reply to mhos61]

Oh ok ! Thankyou for that input . As long as the raised values do not mean anything more sinister - I am happy .......,

[mhos61 in reply to Iwillwin123]

Please check with your haematologist, don’t take my word.

I just know this happened to me, and it has happened to others on hydrea. Always check with your Health Care team. They are the experts..

[hunter5582]

Here is a layman's interpretation. The number that really matters is HCT< 45%. Those of us with PV will always tend to have funky numbers on labs. Some matter. Some don't.

RDW = Red cell Distribution Width - can be high for a number of reasons. Likely not significant. Just talked to my docs about this.

MCV = Mean Corpuscular Volume - average size of red blood cells - can be elevated for a number of reasons. May or may not be benign. MCV can rise due to hydroxyurea.

MCH = Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin - concentration of hemoglobin in each red blood cell. Could be something like macrocytic anemia or low vitamin B12 or folic acid levels. Believe that MCH can be affected by hydroxyurea.

You do not indicate whether you are doing phlebotomy too. That can also have an impact on your lab numbers.

The thing I have learned is to not sweat lab values that are a bit off, so long as they are not too far off, are a significant change, or if I am having symptoms. It does really help to get your doc to explain what these numbers mean and why the are or are not concerned about them.

Hope that helps. Do talk to your doc for a better understanding.

[Iwillwin123 in reply to hunter5582]

I am not doing phlebotomy at all . Thankyou for your studied explanation and insight as always. It is so very helpful .

[Mazcd Partner MPNVoice]

It would be best to speak to your consultant or nurse specialist so that they can explain what the results mean. Best wishes, Maz

[Iwillwin123 in reply to Mazcd]

Yes will surely do as you say . Just thought to check with all the wonderful people here since I have often obtained insights here that helped me have a more meaningful conversation with the medical people . Thank you !