benmärgscore

Benmärgscore is a term used in hematology to denote a composite, semi-quantitative score assigned to bone marrow samples to summarize overall marrow health and disease involvement. The name combines the Swedish word benmärg (bone marrow) with score, and in literature it is used to describe either a research construct or a practical reporting tool in certain centers. A benmärgscore typically integrates multiple histopathologic and cytologic features, including marrow cellularity, lineage representation (erythroid, myeloid, megakaryocytic), the presence and percentage of blasts, dysplastic changes, fibrosis, and adiposity. Additional factors such as inflammatory infiltrates, edema, and evidence of malignant infiltration or granulomatous processes may be included. Scoring is usually semi-quantitative, with each parameter assigned a grade (for example 0 to 3 or 0 to 4), and a composite total score derived from summing parameter grades. Some implementations also weigh critical features differently or apply thresholds to classify marrow status (normal, mildly abnormal, markedly abnormal).

The resulting score is intended to support clinical interpretation, research comparisons, and longitudinal monitoring, particularly in conditions like hematologic malignancies, aplastic anemia, marrow-infiltrating metastases, or therapy response. However, there is no universally accepted standard for benmärgscore; definitions vary by institution, and interobserver variability and sampling bias can affect reliability. The concept remains primarily methodological and descriptive rather than a universal diagnostic criterion. See also bone marrow, histopathology, myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia.