[N-ras and fms gene mutation in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and myelodysplasia].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the pathogenesis of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and improve the differential diagnosis from myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

METHODS

Polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) was performed to detect the point mutation of codon 12,13 in N-ras gene and codon 301, 969 in fms gene in adult and aged ITP and MDS patients.

RESULTS

In 25 ITP patients, N-ras mutation and fms mutation were detected in one each (4%). Mutations were found in 3 of 8 MDS patients: two (25%) with N-ras mutation and one (12.5%) with fms mutation.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with N-ras or fms gene mutation diagnosed as MDS rather than ITP.