Myeloproliferative Disorders

Myeloproliferative disorders (MPD) are a group of disorders that originate in the blood-forming stem cells in bone marrow. These immature stem cells give rise to mature cells in the blood, such as red blood cells that carry oxygen to tissues in the body, white blood cells that fight infection and platelets that make blood clot. In MPD, stem cells become cancerous, causing abnormal production of blood cells.

Typically, myeloproliferative disorders are associated with an overproduction of mature blood cells. Some may have "thick" blood that is more prone to clotting and is associated with heart attacks, strokes and clots in leg veins. If the disease advances to chronic myelogenous leukemia or myelofibrosis, patients may feel tired and report pain or fullness in their belly from an enlarged spleen.

Myeloproliferative disorders are relatively rare with an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 new cases reported in the United States each year. They occur most commonly in people age 50 and older and rarely affect children. Men are more likely to be affected than women. In general, the cause of MPD is unknown, although some cases have been associated with chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancers.

At UCSF Medical Center, specialists in blood disorders provide consultation, diagnosis and management of patients with MPD.

To make an appointment, please call:
Hematology (415) 353-2421

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated August 29, 2007