Myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a whole group of fairly rare diseases that are associated with a malfunction of the bone marrow. The main function of the bone marrow is the production of blood cells. The disease is associated with a violation of reproduction or one, or even several types of blood cells - erythrocytes, platelets or white blood cells.

As a result of such a malfunction, anemia, weakening of immunity and clotting disorders appear, which causes massive bleeding. Myelodysplastic syndrome can be primary and develop spontaneously, for no apparent reason. Diagnosed and more severe forms - secondary, which are caused by radiation, the use of chemically aggressive drugs, etc. It is worth noting that very often myelodysplastic syndrome develops into leukemia.

Most often, the disease is diagnosed among the population over 60, less often in young people and only in isolated cases in children.

Myelodysplastic syndrome: symptoms . Such a disease in most cases occurs secretly and is detected by chance, during tests or treatment of other diseases.

Nevertheless, the signs of the syndrome are associated with the result of disorders in the functioning of the bone marrow. If the quantity or quality of erythrocytes decreases in the blood, anemia develops, accompanied by fatigue, weakness, drowsiness, shortness of breath, dizziness. With an insufficient number of leukocytes, immune reactions deteriorate significantly - the body is not able to fight even the most simple infection. If there is a violation of the composition of platelets, either thromboses develop, or frequent hemorrhages, which are difficult to stop.

In addition, patients can complain of pain, muscle spasms, severe weight loss, regular fever.

Myelodysplastic syndrome: methods of diagnosis . In order to make a final diagnosis, the doctor needs the results of analyzes and patient studies. First, a complete blood test is done to determine the number and ratio of blood cells.

Then the patient is assigned to the examination of bone marrow tissue. To this end, a biopsy is performed, during which a material is obtained for research and detection of disorders. Conduct and morphological diagnosis of the material - it allows you to determine the form of the syndrome and the stage of its development.

A cytogenetic analysis of the blood is also required, during which it is possible to determine the presence of changes in the genetic material - this is the key point in the formulation of the correct diagnosis.

Myelodysplastic syndrome: treatment . The choice of method of treatment directly depends on the form and phase of the disease, as well as the age of the patient and the presence of concomitant diseases. In mild cases, chemotherapy with low doses of components is used. Sometimes the reception of immunomodulating agents is also shown. When there is a violation of the composition of platelets use their transfusion as a temporary measure.

In some cases, the only possible remedy is bone marrow transplantation or the introduction of stem cells. This is practically the only method of treatment that allows to achieve a long-term improvement in the state of the body. Unfortunately, such operations are possible only for patients who have not reached the age of 60, and, as already mentioned, at about this age, these diseases are diagnosed most often.

Myelodysplastic syndrome: prognosis . It is difficult to give an unequivocal answer to such a question, since it is necessary to consider each case of the disease separately. The success of treatment directly depends on the age of the patient, the form of the disease and many other nuances.