Essential Thrombocythemia Overview
Learn About Essential Thrombocythemia
Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a condition in which the bone marrow produces too many platelets. Platelets are particles in the blood that aid in blood clotting.
Primary thrombocythemia; Essential thrombocytosis
ET results from an overproduction of platelets. As these platelets do not work normally, blood clots and bleeding are common problems. Untreated, ET worsens over time.
ET is part of a group of conditions known as myeloproliferative disorders. Others include:
- Chronic myelogenous leukemia (an overproduction of white blood cells that starts in the bone marrow)
- Polycythemia vera (bone marrow disease that leads to an abnormal increase in the number of red blood cells)
- Primary myelofibrosis (disorder of the bone marrow in which the marrow is replaced by fibrous scar tissue)
Many people with ET have a mutation of a gene (JAK2, CALR, or MPL).
ET is most common in middle-aged people. It can also sometimes be seen in younger people, especially women under age 40.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Headache (most common)
- Tingling, coldness, or blueness in the hands and feet
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Vision problems
- Mini-strokes (transient ischemic attacks) or stroke
If bleeding is a problem, symptoms may include any of the following:
- Easy bruising and nosebleeds
- Bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory system, urinary tract, or skin
- Bleeding from the gums
- Prolonged bleeding from surgical procedures or tooth removal
If you have life-threatening complications, you may have a treatment called platelet pheresis. It quickly reduces the number of platelets in the blood.
Long-term, medicines are used to decrease the platelet count to avoid complications. The most common medicines used include hydroxyurea, interferon-alpha, or anagrelide.
Aspirin at a low dose (81 to 100 mg per day) may decrease clotting episodes.
Many people do not need any treatment, but they must be followed closely by their provider.
University Medical Associates Of The Medical University Of South Carol
Praneeth Baratam is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Baratam and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Essential Thrombocythemia. His top areas of expertise are Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Philadelphia-Negative Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Bone Marrow Transplant. Dr. Baratam is currently accepting new patients.
Roper Saint Francis Physicians Network
Robert Cain is an Internal Medicine provider in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Cain and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Essential Thrombocythemia. His top areas of expertise are Hypertension, Familial Hypertension, Glucocorticoid-Remediable Aldosteronism, and Sitosterolemia. Dr. Cain is currently accepting new patients.
University Medical Associates Of The Medical University Of South Carol
Charles Greenberg is a Hematologist and a Hematologist Oncology provider in Charleston, South Carolina. Dr. Greenberg and is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Essential Thrombocythemia. His top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Pulmonary Embolism, Febrile Neutropenia, Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia, and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Dr. Greenberg is currently accepting new patients.
Outcomes may vary. Most people can go for long periods without complications and have a normal lifespan. In a small number of people, complications from bleeding and blood clots can cause serious problems.
In rare cases, the disease can change into acute leukemia or myelofibrosis.
Complications may include:
- Acute leukemia or myelofibrosis
- Severe bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Stroke, heart attack, or blood clots
Contact your provider if:
- You have unexplained bleeding that continues longer than it should.
- You notice chest pain, leg pain, confusion, weakness, numbness, or other new symptoms.
Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bomedemstat compared with hydroxyurea in cytoreductive therapy naïve essential thrombocythemia (ET) participants for whom cytoreductive therapy is indicated. Its primary objective is to compare bomedemstat to hydroxyurea with respect to durable clinicohematologic response (DCHR). The primary hypothesis is that bomedemstat is super...
Summary: This is a study evaluating the safety and efficacy of bomedemstat (MK-3543) compared with the best available therapy (BAT) in participants with essential thrombocythemia (ET) who have an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea. The primary study hypothesis is that bomedemstat is superior to the best available therapy with respect to durable clinicohematologic response (DCHR).
Published Date: February 02, 2023
Published By: Mark Levin, MD, Hematologist and Oncologist, Monsey, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Gotlib J. Polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 157.
Marcellino BK, Mascarenhas J, Iancu-Rubin C, Kremyanskaya M, Najfeld V, Hoffman R. Essential thrombocythemia. In: Hoffman R, Benz EJ, Silberstein LE, et al, eds. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 71.