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Mechanisms of Polycythemia

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The Year in Hematology

Abstract

Polycythemia in man is defined as an increase in the hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration above accepted normal values. As such, the finding of polycythemia implies the increased production of erythrocytes. Since red cell production is governed normally by interaction of oxygen (O2) availability, the elaboration of the regulatory hormone, erythropoietin, and marrow function, it is not surprising that derangements in these interrelationships account for virtually all causes of polycythemia. This chapter summarizes briefly various aspects of the regulation of red cell production and focuses on those identified mechanisms which lead to polycythemia.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine and the Veterans Administration Hospital, Seattle, Washington, USA

    John W. Adamson

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  1. John W. Adamson
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  1. Graduate School of Arts and Science, New York University, New York, New York, USA

    Albert S. Gordon Ph.D., F.R.S.M.  & Joseph LoBue Ph.D.  & 

  2. New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA

    Robert Silber M.D.

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Adamson, J.W. (1977). Mechanisms of Polycythemia. In: Gordon, A.S., Silber, R., LoBue, J. (eds) The Year in Hematology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6688-9_16

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6688-9_16

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