Decompensated erythrocytosis – Cardiology MCQ – Answer

Decompensated erythrocytosis – Cardiology MCQ – Answer

Decompensated erythrocytosis can occur in cyanotic congenital heart disease after – 2. Venesection

If venesection produces relative iron deficiency anemia, the microcytes are less deformable and produce renal ischemia. This triggers secretion of erythropoietin which produces erythrocytosis, which again causes renal ischemia and a vicious cycle. So venesection is to be used cautiously in hyperviscosity of cyanotic congenital heart disease as it can be potentially harmful.

Read about Special problems in cyanotic CHD with natural survival to adulthood.

Back to question