Prognosis for Chronic Idiopathic Myelofibrosis

Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis is a disease of the bone marrow. Bone marrow is made up of platelets, red blood cells and white blood cells as well as fibrous tissue. Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis forces the development of bone marrow stem cells, to immature blood cells (blats). The prognosis of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis is individual. Once an individual is diagnosed with chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis the lifespan can range from three to 10 years, and in some cases, depending on the overall health even longer.

Symptoms

• Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis is usually asymptomatic (without symptoms). However, when symptoms do arise, they may include easy bruising or bleeding, bone pain, chronic infections, enlarged liver, and pale skin.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis is usually determined though a battery of testing. Tests may include a physical examination, blood testing, imaging testing and an examination of the bone marrow.

Complications

• As the disease worsens, complications can arise such as gout, inflammation of the blood tissue, chronic infections and acute leukemia.

Treatment

• Typical treatment of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis may include a blood transfusion, splenectomy (removal of the spleen), radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Progonsis

• Chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis typically develops gradually, however it can develop at a more rapid pace in some individuals. According to Merck, “people who have it may live for 10 years or longer.”