The Clinical Course and Prognosis of Patients With Essential Thrombocythemia Treated With Hydroxyurea and Low-Dose Aspirin in an 11-Year Follow-Up

Background: The main objective of this study was to determine the clinical course and prognosis in patients with essential thrombocythemia, treated with hydroxyurea and low-dose aspirin, and complications of treatment in a 12-year follow-up with a precise and regular control. Methods: In this study, 76 patients with high-risk essential thrombocytosis were retrospectively studied. Data obtained from initial examinations, sonography, complications, and treatment were analyzed. Results: The mean follow-up was 66.8 months (minimum, 3 months; maximum, 137 months). The mean age of patients was 46.9 years. The mean platelet count of patients at diagnosis and the last follow-up were 818,000/mm 3 and 422,000/mm 3 , respectively. In 60 patients, a gene mutation test for JAK2 V617F was performed and was reported as 36.7% positive. Nine patients had bleeding, two of whom were reported after treatment, and eight cases had thrombosis. Macrocytosis and myelofibrosis were seen in 32 and one cases, respectively. Moreover, no cases of leukemia or malignancy due to cytoreduction therapy were seen. One case of skin lesion was seen. Conclusion: A rapid diagnosis, accurate and regular control, and timely treatment can improve the quality of life and reduce morbidity and threatening complications. This study showed that complications using aspirin and hydroxyurea treatment are at the minimum level. J Hematol. 2016;5(4):117-122 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jh305w