Myeloproliferative Neoplasms

What is Myeloproliferative Neoplasm?

About

Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are a group of disorders in which the bone marrow stem cells grow and reproduce abnormally.

MPN affects about 700 people per year in Australia.(1)

- Medical diagnosis is required
- Laboratory test or imaging are required
- Very rare chances of complete treatment
- Chronic: may last for lifetime

In MPN, abnormal stem cells produce excess blood cells (red/white/platelets), which can cause serious health problems. They may result from a change or mutation in the DNA of a single blood cell.

Symptoms

There may be no symptoms show up in the early stages; however, they progress gradually.

Common symptoms include
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Itchiness
- Night sweats
- Hypertension

Treatment

Medication:

Following line of treatments may be adopted:
- Venesection/Phlebotomy is used to remove a controlled amount of blood from your bloodstream, which can help reduce high red cell count. The procedure may need to be repeated regularly, and in many cases, it has been effective in controlling the disease for years.
- Chemotherapy drugs such as hydroxyurea and busulfan help in controlling high platelet count.
- Interferon may be prescribed to boost the immune system.
- Small daily doses of aspirin may reduce the risk of thrombosis.
- Anagrelide hydrochloride may be prescribed to reduce high platelet count.
- Stem cell transplant offers the chance of cure and long-term survival but carries significant risks.

Specialists:

MPNs are very serious disorders and can become life-threatening. Your doctor may prescribe methods to effectively manage it. Feel free to consult our team of doctors at mfine for a professional outlook on all aspects of your overall health and well being.