What Are Treatments For Essential Thrombocythemia?

Essential thrombocythemia (ET) is a rare chronic blood disorder characterized by the overproduction of platelets by megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. In some cases, it may lead to blood clotting or bleeding. The goal of treatment for ET is to reduce the risk of thrombotic complications, particularly in high-risk patients. The treatment options vary depending on the patient's age, overall health, symptoms, and risk of developing blood clots. The main treatment options include drug therapy, platelet apheresis, and lifestyle changes.

1. Drug Therapy

Drug therapy is the most common treatment for ET. The aim is to reduce the platelet count and the risk of thrombosis. The specific drugs used include:

• Hydroxyurea: This is the most commonly used first-line treatment. It works by inhibiting the production of DNA in cells, thereby slowing down the growth of platelets.
• Anagrelide: This drug specifically reduces the production of platelets in the bone marrow. It's often used for patients who can't tolerate or don't respond to hydroxyurea.
• Interferon Alfa: This is a type of protein that can help reduce platelet counts. It's often used in younger patients, including women during pregnancy, because it doesn't affect the DNA of cells.
• Aspirin: Low-dose aspirin may be used to reduce the risk of blood clots. However, it's not recommended for patients with a very high platelet count due to the risk of bleeding.

2. Platelet Apheresis

Platelet apheresis is a procedure used to rapidly decrease platelet counts in emergency situations, such as a stroke or heart attack. It involves removing blood from the body, separating out the platelets, and then returning the rest of the blood back to the body. This procedure is usually reserved for patients with severe symptoms or extremely high platelet counts.

3. Lifestyle Changes

Patients with ET are advised to make certain lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of blood clots. These include:

• Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity can help prevent blood clots by improving circulation.
• Healthy Diet: A diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help improve overall health and reduce the risk of blood clots.
• Quit Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of blood clots and should be avoided.
• Limit Alcohol: Excessive alcohol can increase the risk of bleeding and should be limited.

Want to Learn More About Essential Thrombocythemia?

Keep reading HealthTree for essential thrombocythemia's 101 pages!

• What Is Essential Thrombocythemia?
• How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Diagnosed?
• How Long Will I Live With Essential Thrombocythemia?
• What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Essential Thrombocythemia?
• How Is Essential Thrombocythemia Staged And Classified?