Myelodysplastic Syndrome describes a malfunction of the bone marrow in producing the correct quantity and quality of blood cells. Cells that can be affected:
- Red cells – which carry oxygen to organs and tissues in the body.
- White cells – which collectively fight against infection.
- Platelets – which prevent us from bruising and bleeding.
One or more of these can be affected by MDS. Many people, newly diagnosed with MDS, have not heard of this disorder before. Some, diagnosed early, do not even feel unwell.
Symptoms
A person with MDS will suffer from chronic tiredness and weakness due to the often extremely low levels of haemoglobin. This is debilitating in itself and often requires regular blood transfusions. Transfusions are time consuming and restrictive.
In MDS platelet numbers, which prevent bleeding and bruising, can often be very low. This can result in spontaneous bleeding and bruising. If an injury is sustained blood loss may be excessive. Clearly these factors result in many constraints and difficulties. Platelet transfusions may be required on a regular basis and once again these are time consuming and restrictive.
When white cells numbers become very low (as they often do in MDS) the body is unable to fight off infection normally. This results in a greater than usual incidence of infections which take longer than usual to clear. Medication is frequently required, as is hospitalisation. Some common illnesses eg chickenpox can be very serious for a person with MDS. White cells cannot be given by transfusion. The risk of contracting infections from crowded, public places obviously imposes restrictions on a person’s life and on the life of their family.
Treatment
Treatment of MDS is very difficult and treatment decisions are based on the International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS). The only cure is a bone marrow transplant for those patients who are young enough and who have a suitable donor. Recovery make take months or even years and during this time the patient has to be monitored regularly and where necessary, be supported with transfusions.