Occasionally, the disorder progresses rapidly. This form, called malignant myelofibrosis or acute myelofibrosis, is a type of leukemia. Often, myelofibrosis produces no symptoms for years. The enlarged spleen and liver may cause pain in the abdomen. No available treatment can effectively reverse or permanently slow the progression of this disorder, although the anticancer drug hydroxyurea may decrease the size of the liver or spleen.
Treatment is aimed at delaying complications.
Bone marrow transplantation may offer hope in selected cases. In some people, red blood cell production can be stimulated with erythropoietin, but in others, blood transfusions are needed to treat the anemia. Rarely, the spleen becomes extremely large and painful and may have to be removed. Infections are treated with antibiotics. Thrombocythemia Thrombocythemia is a disorder in which an excess of platelets is produced, leading to abnormal blood clotting.