What are the recommended follow-up protocols for patients diagnosed with polycythaemia vera?

Recommended follow-up protocols for patients diagnosed with polycythaemia vera (PV) include regular clinical assessment and laboratory monitoring to manage disease progression and complications.

Follow-up should involve periodic full blood counts to monitor haematocrit, haemoglobin, and platelet levels, as these are critical in assessing disease control and risk of thrombosis.

Patients should also be monitored for symptoms related to PV and potential transformation to myelofibrosis or acute leukaemia, which may require additional investigations.

Regular assessment of cardiovascular risk factors and management of thrombotic risk is essential, including monitoring for signs of thrombosis or bleeding.

Imaging or bone marrow biopsy may be considered if there is clinical suspicion of disease progression or transformation.

Follow-up intervals are typically every 3 to 6 months but should be individualized based on disease stability, treatment response, and patient factors.

Coordination between primary and secondary care is important to ensure seamless monitoring and management, with clear communication about treatment plans and any changes in clinical status.

Patient education about symptom recognition and adherence to therapy is also a key component of follow-up care.

Note: The provided UK guideline excerpts do not specifically detail polycythaemia vera follow-up protocols; however, principles of monitoring myeloproliferative neoplasms and chronic haematological conditions suggest these approaches. For detailed PV-specific guidance, refer to NICE or British Society for Haematology guidelines on myeloproliferative neoplasms.