skip to main content

Polycythaemia Vera Target — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyHaematologyPolycythaemia Vera TargetRACP Adult Medicine

A 50-year-old man presents with recurrent DVTs. He is found to have JAK2 V617F mutation-positive polycythaemia vera. His haematocrit is 0.52. What is the target haematocrit on treatment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — <0.45

The CYTO-PV trial demonstrated that maintaining haematocrit <0.45 significantly reduced the rate of cardiovascular death and major thrombotic events compared to a target of 0.45–0.50. Phlebotomy is the primary method, with hydroxyurea added for high-risk patients (age >60 or prior thrombosis). Low-dose aspirin is recommended for all PV patients unless contraindicated.

Reference: eTG – 2025 – Haematology; EHA – 2022 – MPN Management Guidelines