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

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