BACKGROUND: Essential thrombocythaemia is a @entity102 characterised by persistent @entity1148 , i.e. platelet count > 600 x 10(9)/l and an increased risk of @entity1031 complications. @entity18829 may be used as a platelet-lowering agent in @entity1 with essential thrombocythaemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: At Akershus Central Hospital, ten @entity1 below 60 years of age have been treated with @entity18829 in the period 1997 through 2000. @entity1 were identified and data obtained from hospital files. Nine @entity1 had been treated previously, mainly with @entity1862 . Three @entity1 were asymptomatic. RESULTS: @entity18829 was introduced with gradually higher dosage, while the dosage of @entity1862 was gradually reduced. Four @entity1 experienced slight and transient @entity10 , five palpitations, and two @entity294 . One @entity1 had to limit the dose because of palpitations. The medication was discontinued in two @entity1 because of side effects. The seven @entity1 who tolerated the medication well, acquired platelet counts below 500 x 10(9)/l. No @entity455 have occurred. INTERPRETATION: @entity18829 is an efficacious drug in essential thrombocythaemia with relatively few side effects. @entity18829 should be considered a treatment of choice in @entity1 below 60 years of age with essential thrombocythaemia.

[ @entity18829 in primary XXXX ].

@entity1 :: ('9606', 'Species') :: ['Patients', 'patients', 'patient'] @entity1148 :: ('MESH:D013922', 'Disease') :: ['thrombocytosis'] @entity455 :: ('MESH:D014652', 'Disease') :: ['vascular complications'] @entity1862 :: ('MESH:D006918', 'Chemical') :: ['hydroxyurea'] @entity294 :: ('MESH:D003967', 'Disease') :: ['diarrhoea'] @entity102 :: ('MESH:D002908', 'Disease') :: ['chronic myeloproliferative disease'] @entity10 :: ('MESH:D006261', 'Disease') :: ['headache'] @entity1031 :: ('MESH:D013923', 'Disease') :: ['thromboembolic'] @entity18829 :: ('MESH:C021139', 'Chemical') :: ['anagrelide', 'Anagrelide']
@entity1148 :: (MESH:D013922,Disease) :: ['thrombocythemia']
