Suggested modification of Janus associated kinase 2-tree algorithm for the detection of Janus associated kinase 2 V617F-positive polycythemia rubra vera patients in Pakistani population

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The Janus associated kinase-2 (JAK2 mutation V617F and exon 12) is detected in most polycythemia vera (PV) patients. It can easily be picked up by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This technique is easy to perform and is very sensitive requiring minimally invasive techniques. The decision when to order JAK2 mutation test by PCR is important to curb its wastage. To save precious laboratory resources, a peripheral blood finding-based algorithm adjusted to hemoglobin levels of patients (PV) in Pakistan has been purposed, which is a modification of algorithm recently developed by Mahe et al. for the rationalization of JAK2 analysis. METHODS: To assist with the screening of patients being considered for JAK mutation for PV patients in the Pakistani population, we modified clinical decision rule “JAK2-tree” as modified JAK2-tree based on patients' full blood count. RESULTS: We tested both classical and modified JAK2-tree algorithms on two independent data sets, one an unselected population-based sample comprising 51 individuals and other on historical clinical laboratory referral set comprising 51 JAK2-positive cases of PV. Sensitivity for both the algorithms was calculated and compared. CONCLUSION: Our work supports a “modified” decision-tree-based screening approach for Pakistani population to optimize the selection of patients most appropriate for JAK2 V617F testing.

Keywords

• janus associated kinase 2-tree
• modified
• pakistani population