[CME: Polycythemia vera].

CME: Polycythemia vera Abstract. Polycythemia vera is a myeloprolifere disease which is characterized by proliferation of all three (erythroid, megakaryocytic and granulocytic) cell lines. The causative mutation is in the JAK2-tyrosine kinase gene. The symptoms are related to the increased red blood cells. Common signs are itching (pruritus) and pain in the hands or feet. The most common complications are thrombotic events. Risk factors are age over 60 years and a thrombotic event in the patient's history. The treatment consists of phlebotomy combined with acetylsalicylic acid 100 mg a day. The goal of the therapy is the prevention of the common thrombotic events. During the course of the disease, cytoreductive treatment is indicated in most of the patients.