[The JAK2 mutation in myeloproliferative disorders: A predictive factor of thrombosis]

BCR-ABL negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) include polycythemia Vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET) and primitive myelofibrosis (PMF). the JAK2 V617F mutation has been introduced since 2008 as a major diagnostic criterion on the one hand and on the other hand, it would be linked to increased risk of thrombotic complications.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of JAK2 mutation and thrombotic events in MPN.

A retrospective study concerning 45 BCR-ABL negative MPN patients (mean age=53 old years, sex ratio=0.8) was conducted.

They were classified as PV (22 patients), ET (17 patients), PMF (3 patients) and atypical MPN (3 patients). The JAK2 mutation was found in 64.4% of patients: 72.7% of PV patients, 47% of ET patients and 66.7% of PMF patients. Thrombotic events were recorded in 11 patients (24.4%). Cerebral arteries and portal vein were the most frequent localizations. The JAK2 mutation was an independent risk factor of thrombotic events.

Consequently, it seems that screening for JAK2 mutation in BCR-ABL negative MPN could play a role in identifying patients at high risk of vascular complications.