Examining Quality of Life Issues for Patients With MPNs

Sandra Allen-Bard, MSN, ANCC, AOCNP, of Weill Cornell Medical Center, discusses the impact myeloproliferative neoplasms can have on patients' quality of life.

Patients with myelofibrosis can often have an enlarged spleen and trouble eating, affecting their body image. Additionally, many patients experience night sweats, itching and fatigue. Depression is also common―something that can be complicated when it comes to certain medication used for these diseases, such as interferon, which exasperates depression.