Transfusion Support of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Patients with MDS often suffer from anemia anemia: (uh-NEE-mee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of red blood cells in the bloodstream. This causes a low red blood cell count. Symptoms of anemia are fatigue and tiredness. , and less often thrombocytopenia thrombocytopenia: (throm-buh-sie-tuh-PEE-nee-uh) A condition in which there is a shortage of platelets in the bloodstream. This results in a low platelet count. Bleeding and bruising often occur with thrombocytopenia. , and thus are a frequently transfused population. Red blood cell Red blood cell: The most numerous type of blood cell in healthy people. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that picks up oxygen in the lungs and brings it to cells in all parts of the body. Also called erythrocyte, RBC. (RBC) transfusion may be used to improve functional capacity and quality of life in this population, while platelet transfusion platelet transfusion: A procedure in which platelets are given to a person through an intravenous (IV) line into the bloodstream. Platelets are more likely than red blood cells to cause an immune response, such as chills and fever. The use of platelets from one donor (apheresis) reduces the chance of reaction to… is typically used to decrease bleeding risk. Despite the frequency of transfusion in patients with MDS, there are few well-defined guidelines for RBC and platelet transfusion support in this patient population. Transfusion is not without risk-patients with MDS who are frequently transfused may develop alloantibodies to RBC antigens, which can lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions and delays in obtaining compatible RBCs. Regular communication between clinicians and blood bank physicians is crucial to ensure that patients with MDS receive the most appropriate blood products.