Distinctive features of polycythaemia vera in New Zealand Polynesians.

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine a potential ethnic disparity in the phenotype of polycythaemia vera (PV) between New Zealand European and Polynesian patients.

Method: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted at Middlemore Hospital to identify adult patients with PV diagnosed between 1987 and 2007. Data extracted included diagnostic criteria, ethnicity, age, complications and survival.