Rasha E.: Exploring Polycythemia Vera: Beyond the Hematocrit
Rasha E., Senior Clinical Pharmacist and Pharmacy Training Program Director at Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center (ADSCC), shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Polycythemia Vera (PV): Beyond the Hematocrit
A valuable review from Hemostasis Today highlighting an important aspect of Polycythemia Vera management: thrombosis prevention requires more than simply treating the acute event.
PV is a chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with a significant risk of both arterial and venous thrombosis.
Key clinical takeaways:
- Maintaining hematocrit <45% remains a cornerstone of thrombosis prevention.
- Following VTE, anticoagulation should be individualized according to the clinical scenario and patient-specific bleeding/thrombotic risks.
- The need for concomitant aspirin should be carefully reassessed when therapeutic anticoagulation is initiated.
- Appropriate cytoreductive therapy plays an important role in high-risk patients and secondary prevention.
- Unexplained splanchnic vein thrombosis should prompt consideration of an underlying myeloproliferative neoplasm, including JAK2-mutated PV.
- Emerging therapies such as rusfertide may offer additional options for controlling erythrocytosis and reducing phlebotomy requirements.
My takeaway:
The goal is not simply to treat the clot – it is to control the underlying disease, reduce recurrent thrombotic risk, and optimize long-term outcomes.
This is where multidisciplinary collaboration between hematology, clinical pharmacy, and thrombosis specialists can make a meaningful difference.
An excellent resource for clinicians managing patients with PV and thrombotic complications.
Source: Hemostasis Today – Anticoagulation and Contemporary Secondary Prevention of Thrombosis in Polycythemia Vera.”

Stay updated with Hemostasis Today.
-
Sep 8, 2026, 02:35Ahmet Davut Aksu: Plasminogen Supplementation Enhances Alteplase Efficacy in Systemic Embolization Model
-
Sep 7, 2026, 23:56Abdel Gaffar Mohammed: Treatment Approaches for Different Types of TMA
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:36Richard Kollen: Preventing Deep Vein Thrombosis During Long Flights
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:34Mahmoud Hashem: Apixaban – Doses According to the Reason for Use
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:31Julian P. Villacastin: LAAC as a Treatment Option When Long-Term Anticoagulation Is Problematic
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:29Geoff Stooke: How Hemophilia Led the Massie Family to the Romanovs and Ronald Reagan
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:27Sam Mbunya: September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:25David Akande: Things I Wish People Knew About Sickle Cell
-
Sep 7, 2026, 18:24Prachi Bansal: A Small Act of Giving, A Lifelong Lesson in Humanity