[Successful high-dose methylprednisolone therapy in a patient with primary myelofibrosis]

We are presenting a patient with primary myelofibrosis who responded to the High-Dose methylprednisolone therapy (1 g/day for 3 days). Three and a half years ago, a 55-year-old male was admitted to our hospital because of severe erythroblastic anemia, thrombocytopenia, splenomegaly and "dry tap" of bone marrow aspiration. Bone marrow biopsy revealed a marked fibrosis without any blastoid cell proliferations. Since a thrombocytopenia was progressive and refractory to the ordinary therapy, high-dose methylprednisolone therapy was performed which was followed by an administration of activated vitamin D3. After the therapy, hematologic improvements were achieved within a month (RBC: 284 x 10(4)/microliters----413 x 10(4)/microliters, WBC: 3,000/microliters----11,500/microliters, Plat.: 7,000/microliters----20,000/microliters). Three months after the therapy, the bone marrow biopsy and 113In scintigraphy were performed. These tests also proved marked improvement of histological features of the bone marrow and a decrease of uptake of 113In to the spleen, respectively. The patient continues to be in good condition and he is free from any medications at present time.