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I M 55 Y/o And Have Been Diagnosed With Essential

Posted on Wed, 16 Oct 2019

Question: I'm 55 y/o and have been diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia. Please give me information regarding this diagnosis, such as life expectancy, possible consequences, etc. Current treatment is 81mg of aspirin daily, but will increase to 81 mg of aspirin two times per day once I consult with another doctor regarding a recent episode of coughing up pleghm with blood (this happened three times in a period of four hours approximately one week ago, but has not returned). After I turn 60 years old I'm to start hydroxyurea. Also, please explain a positive JAK2, which I have.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Bone marrow fibrosis/acute lekeumia-will affect life expectancy

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized bu uncontrolled proliferation of platelet precursors.
Coughing up blood stained phlegm is of the symptoms of ET.
Aspirin and hydroxyurea are appropriate drugs for ET.
A regular follow up with complete blood counts, peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy are required to rule out bone fibrosis and progression to acute leukemia.
Bone marrow fibrosis and further progression to acute leukemia are potential life threatening conditions which reduce life expectancy.
JAK 2 mutation is a diagnostic marker of ET.

If you more queries, I will be glad to answer.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
KINDLY HIT THANKS

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (52 minutes later)

I had a bone marrow biopsy and aspiration and fibrosis was not indicated. How often would you recommend repeat bone marrow biopsy and aspiration? Thank you kindly for your time and expertise.

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (12 hours later)

Brief Answer:
CBC and PBS are recommended every time you visit your hematologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
A complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear (PBS) is recommended every time you visit your hematologist.
In case any feature of fibrosis like nucleated red blood cells and / or tear drop red blood cells or sudden drop in hemoglobin or platelets are seen in peripheral blood smear, bone marrow biopsy is recommended.
In case any abnormal cell like blasts are seen on peripheral blood smear, flowcytometry to assess the nature of cells is recommended.

Thanks and tale care
Dr Shailja Puri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng