Myeloproliferative Disorders

This is where there's uncontrolled proliferation of 1 stem cell type, and it can progress into AML.

The 3 main types of it are:

• Primary Myelofibrosis - Proliferation of haematopoietic stem cells, and characterised by bone marrow fibrosis. Blood film shows poikilocytes (tear-shaped RBCs).

• Polycythaemia Vera - Proliferation of erythroid cell line, presenting with hyperviscocity syndrome (chest pain, myalgia, visual disturbances), and associated with JAK-2 mutation.

• Essential Thrombocytosis - Proliferation of megakaryocytic cell line (platelet precursor).

N.B. Myelofibrosis will cause a ‘dry tap’ on bone marrow biospy.