Optimal Phlebotomy Interval to Change Hematocrit Levels in Patients with Polycythemia / 대한수혈학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Phlebotomy is used to maintain hematocrit levels 4 weeks. RESULTS: No patients with secondary polycythemia and 25.8% of the patients with PV had thrombotic events pre-phlebotomy. Post-phlebotomy, none of the patients experienced a thrombotic event. The average decrease in hematocrit level was significantly different between the three groups, being 1.98±1.90% (4 weeks). CONCLUSION: To prevent thrombotic events, phlebotomy is a safe and effective treatment to reduce hematocrit levels in patients with polycythemia, regardless of medication. For the maximum effect, a <2-week phlebotomy interval to reduce and <4-week phlebotomy interval to maintain hematocrit levels could be effective.