Platelets, Megakaryocytes and Marrow Fibrosis: A Prospective Study in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)

Myelofibrosis is a secondary phenomenon in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Fibrosis is more common in cases with marked megakaryocytic proliferation. Myelofibrosis grade at diagnosis represent, an independent prognostic marker and therefore is a useful biologic and prognostic index in newly diagnosed patients of CML. In present study a total of 40 patients were worked up followed by bone marrow trephine biopsies. Thirty patients were diagnosed as suffering from CML. In these cases of CML a significant association was seen between grade of fibrosis and parameters like hemoglobin levels and splenomegaly. Grade of fibrosis enhanced with increased number, clustering and paratrabecular location of platelets. We concluded that bone marrow trephine biopsy should be considered as major diagnostic tool for evaluation and follow up of patients enrolled in prospective study of CML.