Polverelli et al identified risk factors for infection in patients with myelofibrosis. This can help to identify a patient who may benefit from more aggressive management. The authors are from multiple hospitals in Italy.
Patient selection: primary myelofibrosis
Outcome: infection (9% fatality rate)
Risk factors for infection:
(1) baseline IPSS category (high, intermediate-2)
(2) baseline spleen length >= 10 cm below the left costal margin
(3) therapy with ruxolitinib (RUX)
With no risk factors the risk of infection was about 20% over 10 years. For IPSS category and spleen size, the risk increased with the number of risk factors present.
Limitations:
• Further prospective studies are needed to confirm findings and identify other factors.
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