Studies on hemopoietic dysplasia (the preleukemic syndrome). Clinical course and prognostic factors in 42 patients with dysplastic bone marrow

Abstract

The clinical course of 42 patients with hemopoietic dysplasia diagnosed during 1974-77 has been studied. The clinical, laboratory and morphological findings at presentation were investigated for prognostic significance. At the time of completion of the study (Aug. 1979), 38% had developed acute leukemia (median survival after diagnosis 5 months) and 45% had died of complications (bleeding and infections) due to severe cytopenia (median survival 6 months). An overall malignant course was observed in patients with low platelet count (less than 80 X 10(9)/l), bleedings and severe myeloid maturation defect in the bone marrow (greater than or equal to 30% myeloblasts and promyelocytes). Increased serum vitamin B12 and presence of myeloblasts, promyelocytes and abnormal "monocytoid' cells in the peripheral blood indicated a leukemic termination.