Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Definition
Myelodysplastic Syndromes or MDS was previously known as Preleukemia. It is characterized by a diverse group of hematological conditions. This hematological disease is associated with ineffective blood cell production. It is presented with varying chances of transforming into acute myelogenous leukemia. In majority of cases, this condition is also associated with severe anemia that requires regular blood transfusion.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Diagnosis
Diagnosis for myelodysplastic syndromes is established by laboratory procedures such as full blood count and blood tests. Bone marrow examination is also performed by a hematopathologist. Cytogenetics may also be performed on the bone marrow aspirate. Flow cytometry is also helpful to check disorders in the bone marrow.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Symptoms and Signs
The symptoms that characterize Myelodysplastic Syndromes include neutropenia, anemia and low cell counts of WBC, RBC and platelets referred to as thrombocytopenia. There are also abnormal granules in cells and an abnormal shape and size of nucleus. Chromosomal abnormalities which include chromosomal translocations and abnormal number of chromosomes are also observed. There is also risk of developing acute myelogenous leukemia. Around 50% of mortality associated with this condition results from infection or bleeding. Leukemia resulting from myelodysplastic syndromes does not respond very well to treatment.
Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treatment
Therapy is recommended to improve the quality of life, decrease disease progression and improve chances of survival. Chemotherapy had also been found effective in decreasing the need for blood transfusions and retard disease progression. Stem cell transplant among patients below 40 years old and some severely affected patients offers good prognosis and chances for curative therapy.