Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a heterogeneous clonal disorder arising from myeloid committed or pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells; the basic lesion is clonal hematopoietic stem/progenitor dysplasia, causing ineffective hematopoiesis and increased risk of malignant transformation. Main features are ineffective hematopoiesis and high risk of evolution to acute myeloid leukemia. Clinically hematopoietic cells show quantitative/qualitative abnormalities of varying degree. MDS incidence is about 10-12 per 100,000, mostly middle-aged/elderly; patients over 50 account for 50%-70%; male:female = 2:1.

Common Symptoms

Intracranial hemorrhage; lymphadenopathy; hepatosplenomegaly; on-duty physician; Guan Jueyin; pallor; epistaxis; gingival bleeding; fatigue; epistaxis

Causes and Pathogenesis

MDS is a clonal disorder at the hematopoietic stem/progenitor level; cause is similar to leukemia. Proven: at least two lymphoproliferative malignancies — adult T-cell leukemia and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma — are caused by retroviral infection; experiments also suggest MDS may relate to retroviral action and/or proto-oncogene mutation, suppressor-gene deletion or abnormal expression. Patients often have clear triggers: benzene aromatic hydrocarbons, chemotherapeutics (especially alkylating agents), and radiation can induce gene mutation leading to MDS or other tumors. In addition, MDS mostly affects middle-aged/elderly; age-related decline in cellular DNA-repair of mutations may also be a contributing factor.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Although some MDS cases are idiopathic, many are clonal proliferations caused by biologic/chemical/physical factors. Preventive measures: medical staff should recognize the harm of drug abuse, use chemotherapy cautiously, strictly control radiotherapy indications; industrial workers exposed to chemicals (benzene, PVC) need labor protection to prevent environmental pollution and reduce MDS incidence. (1) Lifestyle: Nonspecific prevention strengthens constitution; reasonable diet/rest, appropriate exercise (tai chi, walking) can rebalance the body. MDS is closely related to emotion — optimism and cheerfulness are highly protective. (2) Diet: Proper diet nurtures life, prolongs lifespan and prevents disease; during/after treatment it prevents progression/recurrence and aids recovery. 1. Balanced nutrition — comprehensive intake of meat, eggs, fresh vegetables; no partiality. 2. Avoid chicken (yang, wind-moving); MDS has mixed deficiency/excess with pathogen-toxin — avoid fire/wind-promoting foods, especially for yin-deficiency-fire, bleeding, and phlegm-dampness obstruction. 3. Cordyceps stewed duck: Cordyceps 9, duck 75 g, ginger 3 slices, yellow wine, water 200 ml, salt/oil to taste, simmer 2 hours; drink soup and eat meat — for MDS with qi-yin deficiency, fatigue, pale-red tongue, thin pulse. (3) Emotional: Liver-qi stagnation is closely related to MDS; data show severe emotional stress for >6 months before onset. Recommend open-mindedness and improved cultivation — very important during treatment.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Hematology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.