Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My wife has a JAK2 (Janus kinase 2) positive myeloproliferative neoplasm with thrombocytosis, likely essential thrombocytosis.
Your right-to-the-point answer is much appreciated.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I hope you and your family are doing well during this pandemic.
JAK2-positive myeloproliferative neoplasms mean it is some cancer. JAK2 is a mutation in a gene that leads to unlimited production of platelets in your case.
Life expectancy with this cancer is very good. It might be up to decades. Usually, this type of cancer is presented with thrombosis of leg veins, leg arteries, heart vessels, brain vessels, and lung vessels. The occlusion of heart, lung, and brain vessels has significant morbidity and mortality.
JAK2 positive itself is not a very big problem. The person having this disease does not die of this disease; rather, they die with this disease. The main aim is to control the proliferation of platelets. There are different means to do so. By cytoreductive medicines like hydroxyurea, and JAK2 inhibitors, rock you little noob by plasmapheresis.
The main aim of the treatment is to keep platelets below 1 million. In your case, the platelet is well within limits. Sometimes this disease can be cured, or otherwise, it can be controlled. The control means this disease would not cause platelet-induced vessel occlusion in the body's brain, lungs, heart, and other blood vessels. This is achieved by antiplatelet medication. For this purpose, low-dose Aspirin or Clopidogrel (antiplatelet) is prescribed once daily.
I hope it helps.
Please let me know if I can assist you further.
Thank you.
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
Thank you for your feedback.
Another question. My wife started putting a copper-made IUD (Intrauterine contraceptive device) to prevent pregnancy. During the past few years, I have observed and noticed that she began having migraines and headaches, and bleeding during her period. I am getting suspicious that the increase in her platelet count might be due to heavy bleeding or inflammation due to the IUD.
Your input in this matter is much appreciated. Thanks for your time and efforts.
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
It is good to see you again. IUDs are associated with menstrual abnormalities such as increased bleeding, and increased bleeding is also associated with increased platelets. But JAK2 is an entirely different phenomenon. It is a genetic change, leading to thrombocytosis. It has nothing to do with IUDs. And, increased blood flow will not eliminate the increasing cells because it is a disorder related to increased production of platelets, not due to decreased destruction.
Instead, increased bleeding would contribute to increased production of platelets and lead to micronutrient deficiency, especially of Iron. In my opinion, if an IUD is creating a problem, it should be removed, and alternative methods of contraception should be used. P. S. (Progesterone) Hormone pills, AKA OCPs (oral contraceptive pills), are also contraindicated in JAK2-positive disorders.
I hope it helps.
Feel free to ask any other doubts.
Thank you.
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Answered byDr. Mubashir Razzaq Khan
Medically reviewed byDr. Preetha. J
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