The impact of JAK2V617F mutation on different types of thrombosis risk in patients with essential thrombocythemia: a meta-analysis

To assess the effect of JAK2V617F on different thrombotic risks in essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients, we identified eligible studies from several databases including Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (up to November 2014). Twenty-two studies of 2922 ET patients were included in exploring the relationship between JAK2V617F and the risk of thrombosis. Compared to JAK2V617F-negative ET patients, JAK2V617F-positive ET patients had higher odd risks (ORs) of arterial thrombosis [OR = 2.59 (1.84–3.65)] and venous thrombosis [OR = 2.10 (1.53–2.88)]. The JAK2V617F-positive group was also more prone to increased risk of microcirculatory disturbances [OR = 1.50 (0.97–2.32)]. Moreover, JAK2V617F may indicate increased risk of either arterial [OR = 1.71 (1.22–2.39)] or venous thrombosis [OR = 2.90 (1.54–5.46)] before diagnosis of ET. During follow-up, JAK2V617F might not be related to arterial thrombosis [OR = 1.90 (0.90–2.08)], but rather venous thrombosis [OR = 1.95 (1.08–3.53)]. In conclusion, JAK2V617F increased the risk of arterial and venous thrombosis in ET patients, while understanding its role in microcirculatory disturbances will require further studies.