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When Is Hydrea Used To Treat Essential Thrombocythemia?
Question: I am wondering why my hematologist is treating my essential thrombocythemia with hydrea if I am at low risk category. Younger than 40, female, no prior thrombosis, Jak2 mutation negative, non smoker, platlet count less than 1,000,000 platelets per mcL if untreated.
Brief Answer:
In low risk patients it is not indicated.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have essential thrombocythemia.
There is controversy in use of hydroxyurea in patients of essential thrombocythemia.
In high risk category it should be used. But in low risk category aspirin alone is sufficient to avoid thrombotic events. Hydroxyurea has no any added advantage in low risk patients. So if you don't have diabetes, hypertension, previous thrombosis then you should take aspirin only to prevent thrombosis.
Consult your doctor and take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
In low risk patients it is not indicated.
Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
You have essential thrombocythemia.
There is controversy in use of hydroxyurea in patients of essential thrombocythemia.
In high risk category it should be used. But in low risk category aspirin alone is sufficient to avoid thrombotic events. Hydroxyurea has no any added advantage in low risk patients. So if you don't have diabetes, hypertension, previous thrombosis then you should take aspirin only to prevent thrombosis.
Consult your doctor and take treatment accordingly.
Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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