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Polycythaemia vera in Nigeria
R A A Bolarinwa1, M A Durosinmi
1Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
The Nigerian Postgraduate Medical Journal
|March 24, 2009
Summary
Polycythaemia vera (PV) is rare in Nigeria, affecting middle-aged individuals with symptoms like headaches and visual disturbances. Treatment outcomes are comparable to global reports, emphasizing lifelong follow-up for patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Limited reports on polycythaemia vera (PV) in Nigeria.
- PV is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by excessive red blood cell production.
- Understanding PV's presentation in resource-limited settings is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the clinical presentation, diagnostic methods, and treatment outcomes of polycythaemia vera in Nigeria.
- To assess the incidence of PV relative to other hematologic malignancies.
- To highlight challenges and successes in managing PV with limited facilities.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of case notes for confirmed PV patients (1997-2006).
- Analysis of clinical and laboratory parameters.
- Determination of PV proportion among hematologic cancers.
Main Results:
- Seven patients (5 males, 2 females; median age 53) were studied.
- Common symptoms included headaches, visual disturbances, and tinnitus; conjunctival suffusion was universal.
- Phlebotomy and low-dose aspirin were primary therapies; PV accounted for 0.03% of hematologic cancers.
Conclusions:
- Polycythaemia vera has a low incidence in the Nigerian population, predominantly affecting middle-aged adults.
- Clinical presentation includes headaches, visual disturbances, hypertension, and organomegaly.
- Treatment outcomes are consistent with international findings, underscoring the importance of lifelong patient education and follow-up.
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