Treatment strategies for polycythemia vera: Observations in a Dutch "real-world" cohort study.

Objectives: Assessment of "real-world" treatment strategies and outcome in Dutch polycythemia vera (PV) patients.

Methods: Retrospective chart review in 150 patients with PV (WHO 2008 diagnostic criteria) from 10 major non-academic hospitals in the Netherlands.

Results: Patients (median age 64 years, 49% male) frequently had cardiovascular risk factors (56%) and prior vascular events (31%).