MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROME

Dr.Nazmul Hasan

What Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) refers to uncommon conditions with abnormal bone marrow cells. It is often a precursor to acute leukemia. Bone marrow is the spongy material inside bones where blood cells are made. These blood cells are poorly formed or don’t work normally. The five subtypes of MDS include types I and II, with anemia that’s hard to manage (refractory anemia). The other three types have too many blasts (immature blood cells in bone marrow). The higher the percentage of blasts, the faster leukemia develops. With time, about 30% of people get acute leukemia. MDS occurs most often in people older than 60, more men than women.

What Causes Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
In most cases, the cause is unknown. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can lead to increased risks of getting MDS. It can run in families.

What Are the Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome?
About half of people have no symptoms. The most frequent one is fatigue due to anemia (low red blood cell count and hemoglobin). Two-thirds of people also have a low white blood cell count or platelet count. Easy or unusual bruising or bleeding and pinpoint-sized red spots just under the skin, caused by bleeding (petechiae), can occur. Other symptoms seen with severe anemia include pallor, and shortness of breath with exertion. Low platelet counts can lead to bleeding. The main risk of low white blood cell counts is serious infections.

How Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome Diagnosed?
When doctor  suspects MDS from the medical history, physical examination, and blood tests, will review a blood smear (PBF) and do a biopsy and examine the bone marrow. In a biopsy, a small sample of marrow from a bone taken and histopathology done. Special genetic analysis of bone marrow cells helps diagnose those who have a poor prognosis.

How Is Myelodysplastic Syndrome Treated?( In Modern Treatment/Allopathycally)
Bone marrow transplantation can cure some younger people (age 60 and younger) with a good prognosis. Combinations of chemotherapy and medicines (including growth factors) can cause remissions and help symptoms in others who are not candidates for bone marrow transplantation. Supportive care is best for most people. This involves regular transfusions and antibiotics for infections. Transfusions with red blood cell and platelet concentrates support people with low blood cell counts. Chemotherapy can lead to remissions, but remissions are temporary. Using erythropoietin can reduce the number of transfusions needed.

How can Homeopathy help?

As homeopathic medicine prescribed on symptoms and syndrome, its more hope full treating disease like this. There are a bunch of remedies to correct this condition.