Chronic Idiopathic Myelofibrosis

Overview

Chronic Idiopathic myelofibrosis is also known as primary myelofibrosis. It is a myeloproliferative neoplasm that begins when blood cells don't develop normally. In some conditions, polycythemia vera or essential thrombocytosis can cause idiopathic myelofibrosis.

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue, Weakness, Paleness, Shortness of breath, Bruising, Weight loss, Fever, Frequent infections, Night sweats, Feeling full after eating a small amount, Discomfort or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen (if the liver and spleen are enlarged), Bone pain

Common Causes

Gene mutation

Risk Factors

Another blood cell disorder, Exposure to certain chemicals, Exposure to radiation, Age more than 50

Investigation Techniques

Complete blood count (CBC) to measure the number and quality of white blood cells/red blood cells/platelets, Blood chemistry tests to show how well certain organs are working, Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to see if cells in a sample of blood and bone marrow have the JAK2 mutation, Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to confirm whether or not you have idiopathic myelofibrosis

Treatment and Prevention

Supportive treatment, Symptomatic treatment, Splenectomy, Radiation therapy, Stem cell transplant

Psychological Issues

Depression, Stress