Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)
Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders in which the bone marrow fails to make enough healthy red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs) or platelets (PLTs). MDS is considered a type of blood cancer and occurs when newly formed blood cells become abnormal and do not grow (or mature) correctly.
After a patient is confirmed to have MDS, they are usually also assigned a risk score. The risk score is one important factor in predicting how the disease is likely to progress over time.
Impact of anemia
- Chronic anemia and transfusion dependency are the main clinical challenges of MDS.
- 50% of patients with MDS require regular RBC transfusions within 2 years of diagnosis.
- A hemoglobin of <10g/dL is a key threshold to assess symptoms and consider intervention.
- Transfusion dependence and low hemoglobin levels (<10g/dL) negatively impact survival.
- A routine blood test can determine the level of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. Low hemoglobin indicates anemia.
Get the full overview
Download the Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS) fact sheet for the complete overview.