Association of JAK2V617F mutation with thrombosis in Indian patients with Philadelphia negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Background: : It is still a matter of debate regarding the association of JAK2V617F mutation with thrombosis in BCR-ABL negative CMPN patients. The role of JAK2V617F mutation in increasing the thrombotic risk in CMPNs is yet unequivocal.

Aims: : To clarify the contribution of JAK2V617F mutation in thrombosis in CMPN patients.

Settings and Design: This retrospective study was done to evaluate role of JAK2V617F mutation in thrombosis in CMPNs.

Materials and Methods: 65 CMPN patients (PV, ET and PMF) were analyzed for JAK2V617F mutation using ARMS-PCR and detailed history of thrombosis was recorded in these patients.

Statistical Analysis: P values were 2 tailed, and statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results: : 46/65 were males and 19/65 were females [M: F: 2.4:1] with median age 46 years [range, 14-80 years]. Patients had median Hb 15.6 g/dl [range, 5.1-20.3], median TLC 10.7 × 109 /l [range 2.4-216] and platelet count 360 × 109 /l [range, 20-1859]. 32 were JAK2V617F positive and 33 were negative for this mutation. On comparing the prevalence of thrombosis in JAK2V617F positive patients with JAK2V617F negative patients, we observed that 20/32 (62.5%) JAK2V617F positive patients had thrombosis as compared to 16/33 (48%) in JAK2V617F negative patients (P = 0.04). We observed significant association of JAK2V617F mutation with thrombosis, however no association of this mutation with thrombosis was observed among the JAK2V617F negative patients.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that JAK2V617F mutation may increase the risk of thrombosis in CMPNs. This finding could lead to risk stratification, setting up the treatment strategy in CMPNs.