Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.

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What are myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS)?

MDS are a group of conditions that prevent stem cells in your bone marrow from working properly. Stem cells normally make red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets. MDS cause stem cells to grow and increase in number without control or order. The RBCs, WBCs, and platelets produced are faulty and too few in number. This increases your risk for anemia (low numbers of RBCs), abnormal bleeding, infections, and leukemia. MDS usually affect people older than 70 years.

What increases my risk for MDS?

• Treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation that damage your stem cells
• Immune system disorders, such as an autoimmune disease
• A family history of MDS
• Use of tobacco products
• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as benzene or pesticides
• A disorder such as Fanconi anemia or severe congenital neutropenia

What are the signs and symptoms of MDS?

• Pale skin, weakness, or fatigue
• Low blood pressure or dizziness when you stand up too quickly
• Fevers or infections that happen often
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Blood in your vomit or bowel movements
• Weight loss

How are MDS diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about other medical conditions you may have. He or she will also ask if you have a family history of MDS or autoimmune disease. You may need any of the following tests:

• Blood tests can show the number of RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. They may also show if your blood cells are working correctly.
• A bone marrow biopsy is a procedure to take a small amount of bone marrow from the bone in your hip. It will help your healthcare provider see what kind and how many blood forming cells are in your bone marrow.

How are MDS treated?

• Medicines may help stop the growth of faulty stem cells. They may help prevent normal stem cells from becoming defective. Other medicine will increase the number of RBCs, WBCs, or platelets. You may also need medicine to stop your immune system from attacking your stem cells, RBCs, WBCs, or platelets. Medicine may be given to prevent or treat an infection.
• A blood transfusion may be given to increase RBCs or other blood cells.
• A blood or bone marrow stem cell transplant is a procedure to put bone marrow or stem cells in your blood through an IV. The stem cells should go to your bone marrow and begin to make new, healthy blood cells.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Revlimid
• Jakafi
• hydroxyurea
• Gleevec
• Inrebic

How can I manage MDS?

It is important to lower your risk for bleeding, bruising, and infections:

• Ask which activities are safe for you. Contact sports may increase your risk for bleeding or bruising.
• Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands several times each day. Wash after you use the bathroom, change a child's diaper, and before you prepare or eat food. Wash for at least 20 seconds. Rinse with warm, running water for several seconds. Then dry your hands with a clean towel or paper towel. Use hand sanitizer that contains alcohol if soap and water are not available. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands first.
• Cover a sneeze or cough. Use a tissue that covers your mouth and nose. Throw the tissue away in a trash can right away. Use the bend of your arm if a tissue is not available. Then wash your hands well with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer. Do not stand close to anyone who is sneezing or coughing.
• Avoid anyone who has a cold or the flu. Also try to avoid large groups. This will lower your risk for getting sick. Treatment for MDS can lower your ability to fight infection.
• Ask about vaccines you may need. Vaccines help protect you from some bacterial and viral infections. Your healthcare provider may recommend these and other vaccines:
  • Ask your healthcare provider about the flu and pneumonia vaccines. All adults should get the flu (influenza) vaccine as soon as recommended each year, usually in September or October. The pneumonia vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 or older to prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults aged 19 to 49 years who are at high risk for pneumococcal disease should also receive the vaccine. You may need 1 dose or 2. The number depends on the vaccine used and your risk factors.
  • COVID-19 vaccines are given to adults as a shot. At least 1 dose of an updated vaccine is recommended for all adults. COVID-19 vaccines are updated throughout the year. Adults 65 or older need a second dose of updated vaccine at least 4 months after the first dose. Your healthcare provider can help you schedule all needed doses as updated vaccines become available.

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You feel lightheaded, short of breath, or have chest pain.
• You cough up blood.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your arm or leg feels warm, tender, and painful. It may look swollen and red.
• You have blood in your bowel movement.
• You vomit blood.
• You have a wound that does not stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure.
• You have severe abdominal pain.

When should I call my doctor?

• You have a fever.
• You are dizzy and feel like fainting.
• You have chills, a cough, or feel weak and achy.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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