VEGFA and polycythemia: Many studies have shown that it may be associated with human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8), proinflammatory cytokines, and high expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).[1–3] The diagnosis of POEMS syndrome is 2 of the mandatory major criteria (polyneuropathy and monoclonal plasma cell disorder), 1 of the other major criteria (Castleman's disease, sclerotic bone lesions, or VEGF elevation), and at least 1 of the minor criteria (organomegaly, extravascular volume overload, endocrinopathy, skin changes, papilledema, thrombocytosis, or polycythemia).