Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)


Other names people use for this condition
  • Idiopathic myelofibrosis
  • Myeloid metaplasia
  • Agnogenic myeloid metaplasia
  • Primary myelofibrosis
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Myelofibrosis
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I need to ascertain the incidence of myelofibrosis in the United States. I would also like to know if the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) lists myelofibrosis as a rare disease. 



  • What is myelofibrosis? (Back to Top)

  • Myelofibrosis is a disorder of the bone marrow, in which the marrow is replaced by fibrous (scar) tissue.[1] Scarring of the bone marrow causes anemia, which can lead to fatigue and weakness, as well as pooling of the blood in abnormal sites like the liver and spleen, causing these organs to swell.[1][2] The cause of myelofibrosis in unknown and there are no known risk factors.[1] Although myelofibrosis can occur at any age, it typically develops after the age of 50.[1][2] In most cases, myelofibrosis gets progressively worse. Treatment is aimed at relieving signs and symptoms and may include medications, blood transfusions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.[2]   
  • Last Reviewed: 1/7/2009

  • What is the incidence of myelofibrosis in the United States? (Back to Top)

  • Few epidemiologic studies are available to estimate the incidence of myelofibrosis.[3] Through the review of several medical textbooks, it appears as if the annual incidence rate in European, Australian, and North American populations ranges from 0.3 to 1.5 cases per 100,000 persons.[3][4][5]  


  • Last Reviewed: 1/7/2009

  • Does the Office of Rare Diseases (ORD) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) list myelofibrosis as a rare disease?  (Back to Top)

  • Yes, myelofibrosis is included on the Office of Rare Disease's list of rare diseases and related terms.
  • Last Reviewed: 1/7/2009


References  (Back)
  1. Dugdale DC, Mason JR. Primary myelofibrosis. MedlinePlus. July 11, 2008 Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000531.htm. Accessed January 7, 2008.
  2. Myelofibrosis. MayoClinic.com. February 1, 2007 Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/myelofibrosis/DS00886/DSECTION=all&METHOD=print. Accessed January 7, 2008.
  3. Hoffman R, Ravandi-Kashani F. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice, 4th edition. In: . Chapter 70 - Idiopathic Myelofibrosis. Philadelphia, PA:Elsevier; 2005:
  4. Tefferi, A. Cecil Medicine, 23rd edition. In: . Chapter 177 - Myeloproliferative Disorders: Essential Thrombocytopenia and Primary Myelofibrosis. Philadelphia, PA:Elsevier; 2007:
  5. Tefferi A. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology, 4th edition. In: . Chapter 106- Myeloproliferative Disorders. Philadelphia, PA:Elsevier; 2008:


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