Bone marrow fibrosis is a medical condition characterized by the abnormal formation and accumulation of fibrous tissue in the bone marrow. The bone marrow is responsible for the production and maintenance of various blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. However, in cases of bone marrow fibrosis, the normal hematopoietic (blood-forming) tissue is gradually replaced by fibrous connective tissue.
This fibrosis adversely affects the bone marrow's ability to produce healthy blood cells, leading to various complications. Patients with bone marrow fibrosis often experience anemia, leukopenia (reduced white blood cells), and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count). The symptoms can include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, frequent infections, and easy bruising or bleeding.
Bone marrow fibrosis can occur as a primary disorder, such as primary myelofibrosis, where the exact cause is unknown, or as a secondary condition resulting from other underlying diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, or certain infections. Risk factors for developing bone marrow fibrosis include older age, exposure to certain toxins like radiation or chemotherapy, and certain genetic mutations.
Treatment options for bone marrow fibrosis typically focus on symptom management and slowing down the progression of the fibrosis. This may involve blood transfusions, medications to improve blood cell production, or, in severe cases, a bone marrow transplant to replace the fibrotic marrow with healthy, functioning bone marrow.
