Publication Date:
2019-11-13
Description:
Introduction: Polycythemia Vera (PV) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by excessive red cell production and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines resulting in increased thrombotic risk, presence of systemic symptoms and reduced overall survival (OS). Abnormal body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities, as categorized by the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), were found to influence treatment success and survival in several hematological malignancies, including myelofibrosis (MF). We evaluated the impact of CCI and BMI on the outcome of PV pts on the basis of real-world data. Methods: A network called "PV-NET" started in January 2019 including clinical/laboratory data of 2016 WHO-defined PV pts diagnosed and followed in 16 European Hematology Centers. Data cut-off was June 2019. OS was calculated from PV diagnosis to last contact or death (log-rank p). Cumulative incidences of events (thromboses, hemorrhages, infections, second neoplasia, and evolution into blast phase [BP] or MF) were conducted with Fine & Gray model with death as competing risk. Therapies were treated as time-to-event variables. Results: A total of 530 PV pts were collected. Median follow-up was 5.4 yrs (0.5-34) (total observation: 3633 pt-yrs). Main characteristics at diagnosis were: median age: 62.4 yrs (18.3-89.5); males: 53.4%; median (range) leukocyte/platelet count, x109/l: 9.8 (1.1-33)/448 (143-1386); median hemoglobin (g/dl)/hematocrit (%): 18.6/56 (males); 17.6/54.4 (females). Sixty-four (12.1%) and 34 (6.4%) pts had a thrombosis prior to or at diagnosis, respectively. At least one cardiovascular risk factor (CVRF) among smoke, diabetes, and hypertension was present in 343 pts (64.7%). Age-adjusted CCI was 0 (15.9%), 1 (18.9%), 2 (23.8%), and ≥3 (41.5%). Median BMI was 24 (17.4-37.3); 3.3%, 51.2%, 35.9% and 9.6% were underweight (BMI
Print ISSN:
0006-4971
Electronic ISSN:
1528-0020
Topics:
Biology
,
Medicine