In detail, a significant association was specifically found between a low PI of non-lymphoid CD34+ precursors and NRBC and other adverse features of the disease (e.g.: higher number of cytopenias, anemia, thrombocytopenia, increased serum LDH, transfusion requirements and intermediate/poor cytogenetics) as well as with a worse disease outcome -shorter OS and progression to AL free survival (PFS)-. The gene discussed is CD34; the disease is anemia.