QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
No, this is not the correct answer. Steroids can be used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. However, this patient presents with symptoms of erythromelalgia, skin pruritus, and headaches which are indicative of polycythaemia vera. The first-line treatment for this is phlebotomy.
10007858
d
Corticosteroids
QuestionChoice
Yes, this is the correct answer. The patient presents with symptoms of erythromelalgia, skin pruritus and headaches which are indicative of polycythaemia vera. This is further supported by the patient's elevated haematocrit (Hct). Polycythaemia vera is a myeloproliferative neoplasm associated with an increase in the proportion of red blood cells in the plasma. The main treatment for this condition is phlebotomy to reduce the haematocrit to <0.45.
10007855
a
Phlebotomy
QuestionChoice
No, this is not the correct answer. The patient presents with symptoms of erythromelalgia, skin pruritus, and headaches which are indicative of polycythaemia vera. The first-line treatment for this is phlebotomy.
10007857
c
Folic acid
QuestionChoice
No, this is not the correct answer, this can be used for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura. However, this patient presents with symptoms of erythromelalgia, skin pruritus, and headaches which are indicative of polycythaemia vera. The first-line treatment for this is phlebotomy.
10007859
e
Intravenous immunoglobulin
QuestionChoice
No, this is not the correct answer. Imatinib is the 1st line treatment for chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). The patient presents with symptoms of erythromelalgia, skin pruritus, and headaches which are indicative of polycythaemia vera. The first-line treatment for this is phlebotomy.
10007856
b
Imatinib
Concept
Chapter
2693
3926
polycythaemia
Topic
157
Haematology
14118
A 60-year-old male presents to the GP with generalised itchy skin, a burning sensation in his hands, and severe headaches. On examination, the GP notices the presence of small haemorrhagic lesions on both his forearms and an enlarged spleen.

The patients haematocrit is measured:

Haematocrit (Hct): 0.71 (normal range 0.41-0.52)

Which of the following is the most appropriate first line management of the patient's condition?
a