ETIOLOGIC FACTORS OF MYELODYSPLASTIC SYNDROMES

Specific epidemiologic data on myelodysplastic syndromes are rare. Ana lysis of data is in fact affected by problems of terminology and class ification. The link between the exposure to ionizing radiation or alky lating agents and MDS is well established. Etiologic factors of acute leukemia, or new factors such as non ionizing radiation, solvent, ethy lene oxide, glycol eters, tobacco smoke, exhaust gases, agricultural w ork have been hypothesized but should be confirmed by other studies on MDS.