ABSTRACT
MYELODYSPLASIA Characterised by varying degrees of anaemia, leucopaenia and ➤ thrombocytopaenia secondary to ineff ective haematopoiesis. Most commonly occurs in people aged over the age of 70. ➤ May be an incidental fi nding. ➤ Symptomatic patients present with features suggestive of bone marrow failure – ➤ anaemia, bleeding, recurrent infection. Macrocytosis may be present. ➤ Diagnosis is made by bone marrow aspirate/biopsy. ➤ Some cases may be indolent whereas others have a poor prognosis with a high ➤ risk of progression to leukaemia. Asymptomatic patients do not require specifi c treatment but do need ➤ monitoring. Supportive treatments for those who are symptomatic include red cell and platelet ➤ transfusions. Other forms of therapy that may be appropriate in some circumstances include ➤ haematopoietic growth factors, immunosuppressants, immunomodulatory drugs and epigenetic agents.
