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Semin Thromb Hemost 2006; 32(4): 430-436
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-942764
Copyright © 2006 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Update on Diagnosis and Management of Essential Thrombocythemia

Heinz Gisslinger1
  • 1Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Blood Coagulation, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
29 June 2006 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Patients with essential thrombocythemia carry a high risk for thromboembolic and bleeding events but they have an almost normal life expectancy. A careful evaluation of the medical history and an exact diagnosis is mandatory to estimate each patient's risk for morbidity and to choose the most appropriate treatment measure. In patients with the need of cytoreductive therapy, the benefits of therapy have to outweigh the potential risks of drug toxicities. Hydroxyurea is the most useful cytoreductive drug for elderly patients; in younger persons, interferon α or anagrelide may be the drugs of choice. The combination of anagrelide with acetylsalicylic acid may be contraindicated in patients with a history of bleeding.

KEYWORDS

Essential thrombocythemia - cytoreductive therapy - JAK2V617F mutation - hydroxyurea - anagrelide - interferon α

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 University Professor
 Dr.
Heinz Gisslinger

Medical University of Vienna, Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology and Blood Coagulation

Währinger-Gürtel 18-20, A-1090 Vienna, Austria

Email: heinz.gisslinger@meduniwien.ac.at

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