Anesthetic management of patients with polycythemia vera. Case presentation

Authors

Keywords:

polycythemia vera, myeloproliferative neoplasms, thrombosis, anesthetic management

Abstract

Introduction: Polycythemia vera, or Vaquez-Osler disease, belongs to the group of myeloproliferative neoplasms and presents clinical and analytical characteristics such as persistent leukocytosis and thrombocytosis, microcytosis secondary to iron deficiency, increased red blood cell mass, JAK2 mutations, increased leukocyte alkaline phosphatase, splenomegaly, generalized aquagenic pruritus, bleeding, arterial and venous thrombosis, including in unusual locations, and erythromegaly.
Patient presentation: This report describes the anesthetic management of a patient in whom the main considerations are related to increased blood viscosity, which leads to a higher risk of thrombosis and a greater incidence of atherosclerosis and heart disease.
Conclusions: The discontinuation of aspirin and hydroxyurea, the pre- and postoperative use of low molecular weight heparin, acute normovolemic hemodilution, adequate hydration, the use of elastic stockings on lower limbs, early ambulation, good surgical hemostasis, and the availability of blood and its components are the fundamental elements in the management of this patient.

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Author Biographies

Osmany Cruz García, "Celestino Hernández Robau" University Hospital, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba

First-Degree Specialist in Anesthesiology and Resuscitation. MSc. Comprehensive Women's Healthcare. Assistant Professor. Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Service

Carlos Gilberto Nieto Monteagudo, "Celestino Hernández Robau" University Hospital, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba

Specialist in Anesthesiology and Resuscitation (Levels I and II). Assistant Professor and Consultant. Anesthesiology and Resuscitation Department      

Miguel Alejandro Guerra Hernández, "José Luis Miranda" University Pediatric Hospital, Santa Clara, Villa Clara, Cuba

Especialista de I Grado en Anestesiología y Reanimación. Servicio Anestesiologíay Reanimación

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Published

2026-01-01

How to Cite

1.
Cruz García O, Nieto Monteagudo CG, Guerra Hernández MA. Anesthetic management of patients with polycythemia vera. Case presentation. Acta Méd Centro [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 1 [cited 2026 Jan. 8];20:e2330. Available from: https://revactamedicacentro.sld.cu/index.php/amc/article/view/2330

Issue

Vol. 20 (2026): PUBLICACIÓN CONTINUA

Section

Case Reports

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Copyright (c) 2026 Osmany Cruz García, Carlos Gilberto Nieto Monteagudo, Miguel Alejandro Guerra Hernández

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