Blood & Lymphatic System

Myelodysplastic Syndrome

The myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders characterized by one or more peripheral blood cytopenias secondary to bone marrow dysfunction. The syndromes may arise de novo, or secondarily after treatment with chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy for other diseases. Secondary myelodysplasia usually has a poorer prognosis than does de novo myelodysplasia. Symptoms include anemia, neutropenia (low white blood cell count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

Neutropenia

Neutropenia is a hematological disorder characterized by an abnormally low number of neutrophil granulocytes (a type of white blood cell) and serve as the primary defense against infections by destroying bacteria in the blood. Patients with neutropenia are more susceptible to bacterial infections and without prompt medical attention, the condition may become life-threatening. Neutropenia can be acute or chronic depending on the duration of the illness

Thrombocytopenia

Thrombocytopenia is a decrease in the number of platelets in the blood, resulting in the potential for increased bleeding and decreased ability for clotting.