Childhood myelodysplastic syndrome

Childhood Myelodysplastic Syndrome
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Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Fatigue, easy bruising, frequent infections
Complications	Progression to acute myeloid leukemia
Onset	Childhood
Duration	Chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Genetic mutations, environmental factors
Risks	Family history, previous cancer treatment
Diagnosis	Blood tests, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Supportive care, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Variable
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Childhood Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a rare group of disorders caused by poorly formed or dysfunctional blood cells. It primarily affects the bone marrow, where blood cells are produced, and is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis leading to blood cytopenias and a risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Pathophysiology

In childhood MDS, the bone marrow produces blood cells that are abnormal and do not mature properly. This results in a shortage of healthy blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. The exact cause of MDS in children is not well understood, but it is believed to involve genetic mutations and environmental factors.

Symptoms

Symptoms of childhood MDS can vary but often include:

• Fatigue and weakness due to anemia
• Easy bruising or bleeding due to low platelet counts
• Frequent infections due to low white blood cell counts

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of childhood MDS typically involves:

• Complete blood count (CBC) to check levels of different blood cells
• Bone marrow biopsy to examine the marrow for abnormal cells
• Genetic testing to identify specific mutations

Treatment

Treatment options for childhood MDS depend on the severity of the disease and may include:

• Supportive care, such as blood transfusions and antibiotics
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which is the only potential cure
• Experimental therapies in clinical trials

Prognosis

The prognosis for children with MDS varies widely depending on factors such as the specific subtype of MDS, the child's overall health, and response to treatment. Some children may experience stable disease for years, while others may progress to AML.

Also see

• Acute myeloid leukemia
• Bone marrow biopsy
• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
• Pediatric oncology

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