Prognostic categorization of primary myelofibrosis patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Abstract

Background: Primary myelofibrosis (PMF) is a least common type of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) and is clonally derived stem cell disorder classified as Philadelphia chromosome negative MPN. The Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS) utilizes five variables including age, haemoglobin level, white blood cells count, peripheral blood blasts and other symptoms for characterization of myelofibrosis patients. The objective of this study was to categorize primary myelofibrosis patients of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Methods: This cross-sectional analysis was carried out from June 2018 till May 2019. Blood samples and other information were collected from 50 PMF patients enrolled at the assigned health care facilities of Peshawar. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used, and an informed and written consent was obtained from the participants. DIPSS was utilized for the prognostic categorization of PMF patients. Results: Majority (26, 52%) of the patients were in the age group II (41–60 years) and most (34, 68%) of them were male. Participants were categorized into four risk groups (low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high) by applying DIPSS scoring system. Among the 50 patients, 3 (6%) were in low-risk group, whereas only one was in the high-risk group. Thirteen (26%) patients fell in intermediate-1 risk category and 33 (66%) were placed in the intermediate-2 risk group. Conclusion: Most of the myelofibrosis patients in Peshawar fall in intermediate-risk group while small percentage was included in high-risk group.

Pak J Physiol 2021;17(1):8–11