Myelodysplastic syndrome is a condition characterized by the immaturity of blood cells made in the bone marrow and showing a different development from their normal forms. Patients with MDS experience anemia as a result of decreased blood production. MDS is most common in people over the age of 40.
What is the cause of MDS?
The cause of MDS is unknown. Exposure to chemicals, especially benzene and pesticides, is common in patients with MDS. In addition, MDS may occur after radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Various chromosomal abnormalities are found when bone marrow cells are examined in most of the patients.
What are the symptoms in myelodysplastic syndrome?
Symptoms vary according to which blood cells are involved. In most patients, only red blood cells are retained. These patients apply to the doctor with fatigue, which is the main symptom of anemia. Fatigue is caused by prolonged walking or climbing stairs.
Weakness is often accompanied by shortness of breath and palpitations. Some patients may experience dizziness and lightheadedness when standing up. Arm and leg pain or numbness may also occur. Getting frequent infections if leukocytes are affected; If platelets are affected, bleeding in the arms or legs and easy bruising are seen.
In the treatment of MDS, age, MDS subgroup, patient's complaints and laboratory findings are taken into consideration. Persistent anemia often does not respond to iron, folic acid, or B vitamin supplements. Erythrocyte transfusion is required in symptomatic patients. If platelet is low, it is tried to be replaced with platelet suspensions.
If the erythropoietin hormone in the blood is not as high as expected, this hormone can be administered subcutaneously to stimulate the stem cell to produce blood. If a specific chromosomal abnormality (5q-) is detected, treatment with lenalidomide may be successful. If there is an increase in blasts in the bone marrow in patients under 65 years of age, the most definitive treatment method is bone marrow transplantation.
For your questions about MDS, you can consult the expert team of Group Florence Nightingale Hospitals. You can reach our expert team by using the contact form or by calling 444 0436.
Read: 0
