Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Overview

Myelodysplastic Syndrome is a heterogenous group of disorders that manifest as marrow failure with risk of life-threatening infection and bleeding. There are several different types of Myelodysplastic syndrome depending on the types of blood cells that are affected.

Signs and Symptoms

Fatigue, Pale skin, Pallor, Unusual bleeding, Bruises, Shortness of breath, Frequent infections, Bone pain, Fever, Weight loss, Loss of appetite

Common Causes

Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy, Exposure to toxic chemicals

Risk Factors

Older age group above 60 years,Treatment with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, Exposure to certain chemicals, Exposure to heavy metals

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count , Peripheral blood smear, Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Treatment and Prevention

Multiple transfusions of red blood cells and platelets, Erythropoietin and growth factors, Antibiotics , Allogeneic stem cell transplant