Prevalence of Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobulinura Clones in Myeloproliferative Patients- a Cross Sectional Study

Introduction The myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal diseases with an increased risk for thrombohemorrhagic complications. PNH is a rare clonal disease associated with an increased thrombotic risk. Small PNH clones are prevalent in aplastic anemia and MDS patients, but their prevalence in MPN patients is unknown. Patients and Methods Consecutive patients with MPN followed up in a single centre were recruited. PNH clones were analysed in erythrocytes and white blood cells with flow cytometry according to published guidelines. Results PNH clones were detected in 2% of patients, and were more common in JAK2V617F positive patients. We could not detect differences in clinical manifestations or complications in patients either with or without PNH clones due to the small patient numbers. Conclusion The prevalence of PNH clones in MPN is similar to that described in MDS. Whether PNH clones influence MPN phenotype and complications should be studied prospectively in larger patient cohorts and over long term follow up.