Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Overview
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is a group of blood disorders that occur when your bone marrow cannot make enough healthy blood cells. Instead, it produces abnormal or immature cells that don’t work properly. This leads to low blood cell counts, which can cause fatigue, infections, and bleeding. Although MDS is more frequently diagnosed in adults, it can also occur in children, albeit rarely. Children of any age can be affected, but diagnoses are typically made in school-aged children and teenagers.
Common signs and symptoms
- Persistent fatigue
- Unexplained fevers
- Night sweats
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Bone or joint pain
- Swollen lymph nodes, liver and spleen
- Pallor
Diagnostic tests and procedures
- Complete blood count (CBC) can reveal abnormalities in blood cell levels indicative of leukemia.
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to check for cancerous cells .
- Genetic tests to detect specific genetic abnormalities associated with MDS.
The Journey of Healing Starts Here
If you or your loved one is experiencing symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndromes, our expert hematology team is here to help. We provide comprehensive diagnostic services, individualized treatment plans, and ongoing support to ensure the best outcomes.
Treatment options
Supportive care
Including blood transfusions, antibiotics for infections, and other medications.
Medications
Medications such as growth factors or immunosuppressive therapies to stimulate blood cell production or manage the immune response.
Bone marrow transplant (BMT)
For some children, particularly those with severe MDS or those who do not respond to other treatments, BMT may be recommended in order to replace diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor, providing an opportunity for a cure.
Prognosis
The prognosis for children with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) varies widely, with generally lower survival rates compared to many other childhood cancers. The effectiveness of initial treatments, such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant, is crucial for long-term outcomes.