title: Reversible therapy-related dysplastic hematopoiesis following Beta Interferon Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Report of 2 Cases.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Interferon beta-la and -1b have been increasingly used for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). The most frequent systemic adverse effects are flu-like symptoms. Laboratory abnormalities include asymptomatic leukopenia and elevated hepatic transaminases. Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) refers to a spectrum of hematological disorders which can occur in different situations. Several hematological abnormalities have been reported following interferon therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  We report two cases of secondary MDS after long term interferon therapy by using the laboratory data and bone marrow results.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Both of our cases were reversible; although treatment with IFNβ-1a and-1b is safe and well tolerated in the majority of population, we should be careful about this premalignant hematological disorder.
authors.affiliation: MS Research Unit, Neurology Department, Shahed University, Tehran, Iran.
authors.forename: Seyed Massood
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Nabavi
authors.forename: Ali
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hamzehloo
authors.forename: Jalaledin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Shams
authors.forename: Damineh
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Morsali
keywords: Beta Interferon Therapy; Dysplastic Hematopoiesis; Multiple Sclerosis