The brochure Bone marrow failure contains comprehensive information about this disease. Please note this brochure is currently only available in Dutch. The most important information is provided below.
Causes
We do not know actually what causes myelodysplastic disorders. Very occasionally, myelodysplasia is a late effect of past chemotherapy or radiotherapy treatment.
Symptoms
Children with MDS are often tired and lethargic, bleed and bruise easily, and also suffer from abdominal and bone pain. Children with Juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML), a disease that is classified under MDS, often have an enlarged spleen, swollen lymph nodes and peculiar skin spots. They are sometimes also short of breath.
How is myelodysplastic syndrome diagnosed?
Blood tests are done and bone marrow is extracted under sedation.
Treatment
Children with MDS are treated according to a protocol drawn up by national and international experts. MDS treatment is sometimes put on hold, in which case children are given blood transfusions or immunosuppressive drugs if needed. If necessary, an allogeneic stem cell transplant is performed. JMML treatment sometimes starts with chemotherapy, but ultimately an allogeneic stem cell transplant is always required.
Chance of recovery
The chance of recovery depends greatly on any complications during treatment.
Questions?
Children with MDS are treated in the hematology-oncology department.