The diagnostic and prognostic significance of flow cytometric bone marrow assessment in myelodysplastic syndromes according to the European LeukemiaNet recommendations in single-centre real-life experience

Abstract

Introduction: This analysis attempts to determine the diagnostic and prognostic value of bone marrow (BM) evaluation by multiparameter flow cytometry in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Materials and methods: The study group consisted of patients who underwent diagnostic process in the years 2008-2017 due to cytopenia and finally were diagnosed with MDS (n = 71). The comparative group included patients with cytopenia diagnosed in the same period, whose definitive diagnosis was other than MDS (n = 39). Flow cytometric evaluation of BM was performed following the recommendations of the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) in all patients. Results: The median number of immunophenotypic abnormalities found on granulocytes in the MDS group was significantly higher compared to the comparative group [2 (range 0-5) vs 0 (range 0-2); P