Myelodysplastic

Hello All:

Many of my students are asking me about the diagnosis of Robin Roberts.  Here is some information for everyone.

Myelodysplastic: 

The myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS, formerly known as preleukemia) is a diverse collection of hematological (blood-related) medical conditions that involve ineffective production (or dysplasia) of the meyloid class of blood cells.  Patients with MDS often develop severe anemia and require frequent blood transfusions. In most cases, the disease worsens and the patient develop cytopenias (low blood counts) caused by progressive bone marrow failure. In about one third of patients with MDS, the disease transforms into acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), usually within months to a few years.

 

Treatment involves killing of off the cells in the patient's bone marrow and replacing them with health cells from a donor.  Success is in the high percentages and the person can go on to lead a healthy life.  The treatment can be overwhelming on the patient's immunity and general health.  Precautions must be maintain to keep the patient away from infection and add on nutrition that increases general health and vitality.