Age-related differences in disease characteristics and clinical outcomes in polycythemia vera Journal Article

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Authors: Stein, B. L.; Saraf, S.; Sobol, U.; Halpern, A.; Shammo, J.; Rondelli, D.; Michaelis, L.; Odenike, O.; Rademaker, A.; Zakarija, A.; McMahon, B.; Spivak, J. L.; Moliterno, A. R.
Article Title: Age-related differences in disease characteristics and clinical outcomes in polycythemia vera
Abstract: The natural history and prognosis for young patients with polycythemia vera (PV) in the post-JAK2 V617F era are not well defined. Therefore, we retrospectively analyzed disease characteristics and clinical outcomes in 120 patients /= 65 years at diagnosis. Despite lower white blood counts (9.2 vs. 13.4 x 10(9)/L, p = 0.004) and a lower JAK2 V617F allele burden (51% vs. 66%, p = 0.015), younger patients with PV had comparable rates of vascular complications compared to older patients (27% vs. 31%, p = 0.64). However, splanchnic vein thrombosis occurred more frequently in younger patients (13% vs. 2%, p = 0.0056). Myelofibrotic and leukemic transformation, the most serious complications of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN), occurred with similar frequencies in young versus older patients (15% vs. 10%, p = 0.29). Prevention or delay of these complications is currently the most urgent challenge in the care of younger patients with PV.
Journal Title: Leukemia lymphoma
Volume: 54
Issue: 9
ISSN: 1029-2403; 1026-8022
Publisher: Unknown  
Journal Place: England
Date Published: 2013
Start Page: 1989
End Page: 1995
Language: eng
DOI/URL:

10.3109/10428194.2012.759656
Notes: JID: 9007422; 2013/01/08 [aheadofprint]; ppublish