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Difference between myelodyplastic syndrome, myeloproliferative disorders and myelofibrosis

Myelodysplastic syndrome

  • Ineffective hematopoiesis
  • Pre-leukemic (AML), defined as < 20 % blasts
  • Common clinical picture: high MCV + elderly
  • Cellular picture: pancytopenia, dysplastic cells, hypercellular
  • Treatment: monitor progression, TNF inhibitors (lenalidomide)

Myeloproliferative disorders

  • Essential thrombosis and polycythemia
  • Essential thrombosis
    • JAK2/MPL mutation
    • Overproduction of megakaryocytes and platelets
    • Can progress to myelofibrosis
    • Common clinical picture: ischemia, stroke, ACS, clots
    • Paradoxical bleeding – depletion of vWF
    • Treatment:
      • Low risk – aspirin
      • Medium risk: hydroxyurea
      • High Risk: pheresis
  • Polycythemia
    • JAK2 mutation –> erythrocytes divide in the absence of EPO
    • Can progress to myelofibrosis
    • Common clinical picture: fatigue, dizziness, increased sweating, red facial complexion, blurred vision, splenomegaly, uric acid from high RBC turnover and increased risk of blood clot
    • Treatment: phlebotomy (blood letting), aspirin, hydroxyurea

Myelofibrosis

  • Replacement of hematopoeitic stem stem cells with collagen
  • Primary myelofibrosis
    • JAK2/MPL mutation
    • Over production of megakaryocytes
    • Megakaryocytes overproduce FGF (cytokine)
    • FGF activates fibroblasts
    • Fibroblasts deposit collagen
  • Secondary myelofibrosis
    • Progression from ET or polycythemia
  • Cellular picture: hypocellular (“dry tap” during a bone marrow aspirate)
  • Treatment: supportive measures (transfusions) and HCT