The stress polycythaemia syndromes and their haemorheological significance

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Isbister, James P.^{; *}

Affiliations: Department of Haematology, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia

Correspondence: [*] Correspondence to Dr J.P. Isbister, Department of Haematology, Royal North Shore Hospital of Sydney, St Leonards, 20b5, NSW, Australia.

Note: [] Accepted by: Guest Editor H.J. Meiselman and Editor G.D.O. Lowe

Abstract: Research from many disciplines is coming together to give a more composite picture of the multitude of factors involved in cardiovascular and haematocrit control. In this review the term stress polycythaemia syndrome is used in its broadest sense, where all exogenous and endogenous stresses are considered. The contraction of plasma volume seen in association with the various stimuli is the end result of a final common pathway of neuroendocrine activation via the autonomic nervous system. In most circumstances the development of the stress polycythaemia syndrome is an appropriate response to a specific stimulus. However, there are haemorheological consequences which may not always be advantageous and in the presence of vascular disease may predispose the subject to the possibility of arterial occlusion. Management of the stress polycythaemia syndromes depends on identification and removal of the stimuli and correction of the haemorheological disturbances.

Keywords: Polycythaemia, Plasma Volume, Stress, Venous Capacitance, Hypoxia, Catecholamines

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1987-7203

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 159-179, 1987