Erythrocytosis results when there is an increased red cell mass and thus an increased hemoglobin. The causes can be divided into primary intrinsic defects of the erythroid progenitor cell and secondary defects, where factors external to the erythroid compartment are responsible. Both can then be further divided into congenital and acquired categories. Congenital causes include mutations of the erythropoietin receptor and defects of the oxygen-sensing pathway including VHL, PHD2 and HIF2A mutations. When fully investigated there remain a number of patients in whom no cause can be elucidated who are currently described as having idiopathic erythrocytosis. Investigation should start with a full history and examination. Having eliminated the common entity polycythemia vera, further direction for investigation is guided by the erythropoietin level. Clinical consequences of the various erythrocytoses are not clear, but in some groups thromboembolic events have been described in young patients. Evidence is lacking to define best management, but aspirin and venesection to a target hematocrit should be considered.T he average adult produces 2.3 × 10 6 red cells every second.1 These red cells contain hemoglobin (Hb), which is the means whereby oxygen is supplied to the tissues. There are precise homeostatic mechanisms to ensure sufficient, but not excess, red cell production. Any imbalance in the homeostatic mechanisms can lead to excess red cell production known as erythrocytosis.The exact extent of an erythrocytosis is ascertained by measuring the red cell mass. The red cell mass is defined as increased if it is greater than 125% above that expected for sex and body mass. 2 If this occurs, then the subject has an absolute erythrocytosis. The presence of an absolute erythrocytosis is reflected in the fact that the Hb and hematocrit (Hct) are also increased. The various parameters do not completely reflect each other as other factors may affect the measurements; however, an Hct of 0.60 or greater is always associated with an increased red cell mass. 3 An Hb above 18.5 g/dL in a male or 16.5 g/dL in a female or an Hct above 0.52 in a male or 0.48 in a female suggests that there is an erythrocytosis. It may be necessary to carry out a red cell mass to establish unequivocally that an absolute erythrocytosis is present.
Classification of ErythrocytosesAn erythrocytosis can be classified depending on the identified cause. The main division is on the basis of primary causes, where an intrinsic defect in the erythroid progenitor cell is associated with an enhanced response to cytokines; or secondary, where the increased red cell production is driven by factors external to the erythroid compartment, such as increased erythropoietin (EPO) production for any reason. Primary and secondary causes can be classified further as either congenital or acquired ( Table 1).
Primary Erythrocytosis
Congenital Erythropoietin Receptor MutationsThe cytokine EPO binds to the EPO receptor on the surface of the erythroid cell. When this occurs a pho...