Anagrelide in the treatment of thrombocytosis in myeloproliferative disease – case report

Overview

There is presented a case report of using anagrelide hydrochloride as a non-toxic oral inhibitor of thrombopoiesis in chronic myeloproliferative disorders (MPD). It is the first medicament to use for patients with histopathologically verified MPD – essential thrombocytosis. This treatment carries very good benefit for the quality of life. In medical literature we find reports where this therapy is used also in other types of MPD such as polycythaemia vera, chronic myelogenous leukaemia and myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia. We report our experience with using anagrelide as the third line therapy in patient with a diagnosis of MPD – by the PVSG rules – the essential thrombocytosis, but by the new WHO classification is as praefibrotic phase of chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis. In conclusion – anagrelide is an effective drug in the treatment of this disease, even in relatively low dose 1.0–1.5 mg per day.

Key words:
anagrelide, chronic myeloproliferative disorders, essential thrombocythaemia, chronic idiopathic myelofibrosis