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Erythrocytosis

Meaning

Erythrocytosis is a clinical finding characterized by an objectively elevated absolute red blood cell mass or a persistently high hemoglobin concentration, often defined relative to established standard reference ranges for the population. While this elevation can sometimes represent a necessary compensatory physiological response, a persistent increase often signals underlying pathology affecting hematopoietic drive or oxygen sensing. We must clinically differentiate true polycythemia from relative increases caused by plasma volume contraction. This finding routinely prompts a deeper investigation into hematopoietic regulation and renal endocrine function.