Disease characterized by insidious onset and by an absolute increase in number of circulating RBCs and in total blood volume?
**Core Concept:** Polycythemia is a clinical condition characterized by an increase in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) and total blood volume. These changes are usually in response to hypoxia, leading to increased erythropoietin production.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:**
In this question, we are asked to identify a disease characterized by insidious onset and increased RBC count. Polycythemia (option D) fits these criteria. Polycythemia is a condition that occurs due to the compensatory response to hypoxia, which leads to increased erythropoietin production in the kidneys. Erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more RBCs, causing an increase in RBC count and total blood volume.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Anemia: This refers to a decrease in RBC count, not an increase. Its onset is typically acute and may present with symptoms like fatigue and pallor.
B. Leukocytosis: This refers to an increase in white blood cell count and is usually caused by infections, inflammation, or malignancy. It is not characterized by an increase in RBC count.
C. Hemolytic anemia: This refers to a decrease in RBC count due to destruction of RBCs. Unlike polycythemia, it presents with symptoms like fatigue and jaundice.
**Clinical Pearl:**
Understanding the underlying cause of polycythemia is crucial. If the condition is due to erythropoietin production from a solid tumor (e.g., renal cell carcinoma), the disease is called erythrocytosis. In this case, the cause should be considered while treating the patient, as treating the underlying cause (e.g., removing the tumor) is often the most effective treatment option.
**Correct Answer:** .