Anaemia in myelofibrosis: its value in prognosis

Abstract

Patients (44) with myelofibrosis were investigated. Their clinical, laboratory and radioisotope parameters were analyzed. The direct correlation between plasma volume and splenic red cell pool has highlighted the role of the spleen in the dilutional anemia seen in myelofibrosis. 52Fe quantitation showed that the bone marrow contributes relatively more to effective erythropoiesis than the extramedullary sites. The prognostic value of changes in plasma volume and bone marrow 52Fe activity was demonstrated. The Hb:reticulocyte relationship at diagnosis can be used to recognize probable stages of the disease and provides a useful prognostic determinant.