• Home

Home > Medical Reference > Encyclopedia (English)

Toggle: English / Spanish

Primary myelofibrosis

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Myelofibrosis; Idiopathic myelofibrosis; Myeloid metaplasia; Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia

Treatment:

There is no specific treatment for primary myelofibrosis. Blood transfusions are given to correct anemia. Recombinant erythropoietin or androgens may stimulate red blood cell production and may be beneficial. A splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may help if the enlarged size of the spleen causes symptoms. Radiation and chemotherapy may also be used. In young people, bone marrow transplants appear to improve the outlook.

Expectations (prognosis):

The average survival of people with primary myelofibrosis is about 5 years. However, many people survive for decades. In the end stages, myelofibrosis is a wasting, debilitating illness.

Complications:

• Liver failure
• Acute myelogenous leukemia

Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of this disorder develop. Uncontrolled bleeding, shortness of breath, jaundice , and progressive confusion are symptoms that indicate a need for urgent or emergency care.

References:

Hoffman R, Benz Jr. EJ, Shattil SJ, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice . 4th ed. Philladelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingston; 2005.

McPherson RA and Pincus MR. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 21st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2007:561-62.

• Review Date: 2/26/2007
• Reviewed By: William Matsui, MD, Assistant Professor of Oncology, Division of Hematologic Malignancies, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is the first of its kind, requiring compliance with 53 standards of quality and accountability, verified by independent audit. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial process . A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics (www.hiethics.com) and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2007 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.