Myelodysplastic syndromes: diagnosis and care in elderly patients over 70

A frequent condition in geriatrics: Myelodysplastic syndromes comprise a gr oup of bone marrow disorders characterized by abnormal hematopoetic stem ce ll clones. They are generally observed after SO years of ag with a peak fre quency in the 70-80 year age group. Prevalence is probably underestimated a nd diagnosis is commonly made in geriatric wards. Diagnosis: Clinical presentations vary widely making diagnosis a difficult task Cytology studies play a predominant role Recent progress in our undema nding of myelodysplastic syndromes have been achieved with cytogenic and mo lecular biology techniques, although the diagnostic procedures and manageme nt of elderly subjects have changed little. Disease course and treatment: Prognosis of myleodysplastic syndromes is hig hly variable and mainly depends on the type of syndrome according to the in ternational FAB classification. Therapeutic management in patients over 70 is limited in most cases to symptomatic treatment principally with transfus ional support.