Incidence of Primary Polycythemia Vera in Tobruk City

• Rudhuway Abdulqadir Mtawil

  Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tobruk University, Tobruk, Libya & Hematology &Oncology Department, Tobruk Medical Center, Tobruk, Libya.

  Author

• Sabrien Aboubaker

  department Of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Technology, Tobruk university, Tobruk, Libya

  Author

• Esraa Fathallah Yousif

  students of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Enas Ali Abdelqader

  Students of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Mohammed Edris Salem

  Students of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Almoataz Bellah Awad Saleh

  Students of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Safa Saleh Altayeb

  Students of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

• Fatma Abdelrahem Omran

  Students of Medical Laboratory, Faculty of Medical Technology, Tobruk University, Libya

  Author

Background: Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by uncontrolled production of red blood cells, predominantly driven by a JAK2 gene mutation. It is associated with significant morbidity due to increased blood viscosity and thromboembolic events. Objectives: To determine the incidence and risk factors of primary polycythemia vera among patients at Tobruk Medical Centre, and to assess the relationship between PV and risk factors including age, smoking, hypertension, and family history. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from mid-2024 to 2025 at Tobruk Medical Centre. Data were collected from three departments: Oncology (n=44), Neonatal (n=90), and Internal Medicine (male and female; n=125). Patients were classified according to demographics and risk factors (smoking, hypertension, family history, and age). Results: In the Oncology Department, 44 patients were identified (19 male, 25 female), aged 20–90 years. The majority of cases occurred in patients aged 51–80. A statistically significant association was found between age ≥50 and PV incidence (p=0.035). Hypertension was prevalent in 23/25 female patients and 14/19 male patients. Smoking was identified in 10 patients. Smoking was significantly more prevalent in male PV patients than female (p=0.011). In the Neonatal Department, 90 cases showed elevated blood components, confirming bone marrow instability in newborns. In the Internal Medicine department, 125 patients had elevated blood components, with the highest rates among those aged 71–90. A perfect positive correlation was observed between age and elevated blood components (p<0.001).  Conclusion: Primary PV is present across multiple age groups and departments. The JAK2 V617F mutation combined with risk factors such as ageing, hypertension, and smoking significantly increases PV incidence. Early screening in at-risk populations is recommended

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