Myelodysplastic syndrome (mds)

[Dorothey Allen]

Myelodysplastic syndrome refers to a group of related disorders in which abnormal blood-forming cells develop in the bone marrow. At first, these cells interfere with the production of normal blood cells. Later, these cells may become cancerous, turning into a form of leukemia (see also Overview of Leukemia).

Symptoms depend on which type of cells is affected but may include tiredness, weakness, and paleness, or fever and infections, or bleeding and bruising.
Blood tests and examination of a bone marrow sample are needed for diagnosis.
Treatment with azacytidine and decitabine may help relieve symptoms and lower the likelihood that acute leukemia will develop.
Stem cell transplantation can cure the disease.

In myelodysplastic syndromes, a line of identical cells (clone) develops and occupies the bone marrow. These abnormal cells do not grow and mature normally. The cells also interfere with normal bone marrow function, resulting in deficits of

Red blood cells, causing anemia
White blood cells, causing infections
Platelets, causing bleeding and bruising

In some people, red blood cell production is predominantly affected.
Myelodysplastic syndromes occur most often in people older than 50 years, particularly those older than 65 years. Men are more likely than women to be affected.
The cause is usually not known. However, in some people, exposure of bone marrow to radiation therapy or certain types of chemotherapy drugs may play a role.