[Polycythemia vera and pregnancy: difficulties for diagnosis and treatment]. / Maladie de Vaquez: risques et prise en charge au cours de la grossesse.

ABSTRACT

Polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative syndrome. This clonal disorder involves a pluripotent stem cell capable of differentiating into red blood cells, granulocytes, and platelets. Polycythemia vera is characterized by the overproduction of mature red blood cells in the bone marrow. Myeloid and megakaryocytic elements are also often increased. Polycythemia vera (PV) is rarely associated with pregnancy. About 20 cases have been reported. Prognosis of PV is not influenced by pregnancy. Conversely, pregnancy outcome is poor, due to the occurrence of gestational hypertension, stillbirth and induced prematurity. During pregnancy, clinical management needs to be close including a collaborative approach between obstetricians, hematologists and anesthesists. The risk of poor outcome may be reduced by the association of antiaggregant and anticoagulant therapy. Phlebotomy can be provided in order to maintain hemoglobin level under 42%.