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Mielofibrosis - Overview

Nombres alternativos

Mielofibrosis primaria; Mielofibrosis idiopática; Metaplasia mieloide; Metaplasia mielocitoide agnógena; Mielofibrosis secundaria

Definición:

Es un trastorno de la médula ósea en el cual la médula es reemplazada por tejido cicatricial (fibroso).

Causas, incidencia y factores de riesgo:

La médula ósea es el tejido suave y graso que se encuentra dentro de los huesos. Las células madre son células inmaduras en la médula ósea que dan origen a todas las células sanguíneas. La sangre se compone de:

  • Glóbulos rojos (los cuales llevan oxígeno a los tejidos)
  • Glóbulos blancos (que combaten las infecciones)
  • Plaquetas (que ayudan a que la sangre coagule)

La cicatrización de la médula ósea significa que la médula no es capaz de producir suficientes células sanguíneas. Se puede presentar anemia, problemas de sangrado y un riesgo más alto de infecciones.

Como resultado, el hígado y el bazo tratan de producir algunas de estas células sanguíneas. Esto provoca que estos órganos se inflamen, lo cual se denomina hematopoyesis extramedular.

La causa de la mielofibrosis se desconoce y no hay ningún factor de riesgo conocido. El trastorno por lo regular se desarrolla lentamente en personas mayores de 50 años.

Enfermedades como leucemia y linfoma también pueden causar cicatrización de la médula ósea y esto se denomina mielofibrosis secundaria.

  • Reviewed last on: 6/2/2010
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Referencias

Tefferi A. Myeloproliferative disorders: essential thrombocythemia and primary myelofibrosis. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier;2007:chap 177.

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