Racial and Gender Disparities in the Incidence of Polycythemia Vera: A Nationwide Analysis

Department

Medicine

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

ARC Journal of Cancer Science

Abstract

Introduction: Polycythemia vera is a rare type of blood cancer characterized by the overproduction of blood cells in the bone marrow. Left untreated, it can lead to severe complications, recurrent hospitalizations, and reduced life expectancy. Limited research exists on gender, ethnic, and racial disparities in PV occurrence, prompting our analysis across diverse populations.

Materials and Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample 2020 to identify patients admitted with a primary or secondary diagnosis of Polycythemia vera. We analyzed baseline characteristics, including age, gender, income status, and certain comorbid conditions, to evaluate risk associated with PV. We employed a Log Binomial regression model for calculating the Risk ratios while accounting for confounding variables such as demographic characteristics of patients.

Result: A total of 20870 patients had PV. The mean age of patients with and without PV was 70+/-13 and 49+/-27 years, respectively. Females and males were 44.25% and 55.74%, respectively, p< 0.001. Males had an increased risk of PV compared to females (RR=1.54(1.45-1.64); p< 0.001). Compared to white females, white males had an increased risk of PV (RR=1.28(1.19-1.37); p< 0.001). Black males (RR=0.69(0.58-0.82);p< 0.001) and females (RR=0.46(0.38- 0.55); p< 0.001) as well as Hispanic males (RR=0.81(0.67-0.98); p=.03) and females (RR=0.44(0.34-0.56); p< 0.001) had a decreased Risk of PV compared to white females. Females of other races (RR=0.66(0.46-0.93); p=0.02) had a decreased risk, while males of other races (OR=1.21(0.93-1.56); p=0.14) and Asian males (RR=1.40(0.79-2.47); p=0.24) and females (RR=0.97(0.52-1.82); 0.94) had no difference in the risk of PV. Risk of PV increased with age (36- 45: RR(3.85(2.82-5.26), p< 0.001; 46-64: RR=7.14(5.42-9.39), p< 0.001; > 65: RR=9.95(7.49-13.21); p< 0.001. Risk of PV also increased with higher Charlson comorbidity index (CI 1: RR=1.46(1.30-1.64); p< 0.001); CI 2: RR=1.71(1.52- 1.93), p< 0.001; CI >/ =3: RR=1.89(1.68-2.12); p< 0.001. Patients with Hypertension had a high risk of PV (RR=1.11(1.03-1.19); p=0.006) while patients with Diabetes (RR=0.68(0.63-0.74); p< 0.001) and End Stage Renal Disease (RR=0.47(0.37-0.59); p< 0.001) had lower risk of PV.

Conclusion: In conclusion, white males had an increased risk of Polycythemia vera as compared to other races. The risk of PV increases with age. Racial and gender disparities persist in PV, stemming from factors such as lack of awareness, unequal access to healthcare, and numerous other underlying causes. It is crucial to pinpoint the at-risk populations to reduce the incidence of these disparities effectively

First Page

9

Last Page

15

DOI

10.20431/2455-6009.1001002

Volume

10

Issue

1

Publication Date

4-2025

Comments

April publication month supplied by Lisa Buda, RRH librarian.

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