Primary myelofibrosis with thrombocytosis in pregnancy: a case report

Primary myelofibrosis is a myeloproliferative disease. Some 12% of patients with primary myelofibrosis develop thrombocytosis. Thrombocytosis in pregn ancy leads to higher rates of spontaneous abortion, premature delivery, int rauterine growth restriction and fetal death. The aim of the authors is to present the course, therapy and outcome of pregnancy in a patient with prim ary myelofibrosis and thrombocytosis. Myelosuppressive therapy decreases th e incidence of thrombosis, but is contraindicated in pregnancy. Owing to th is impossibility of treatment, pregnancies complicated by thrombocytosis ha ve unfavorable outcomes. Based on data showing a favorable pregnancy outcom e after administration of interferon-alpha in essential thrombocythemia, it was decided to use the same drug for the first time in a pregnant patient with primary myelofibrosis and thrombocytosis. Close follow-up and continuo us adjustment of the therapy resulted in a normal course and outcome of the pregnancy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of succe ssful treatment with interferon-alpha in a pregnant patient with primary my elofibrosis and thrombocytosis.