Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is primarily associated with cytopenias, including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, rather than thrombocytosis
Pathophysiology of MDS
- MDS is characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis due to enhanced apoptosis in myeloid, erythroid, and megakaryocytic cells in the bone marrow
- This leads to blood cytopenias, including thrombocytopenia, which is a common problem in MDS patients
Clinical manifestations
- The clinical manifestations of MDS result from cytopenias, including anemia, infection, and bleeding
- Thrombocytopenia in MDS can range from mild to serious bleeding events and death
Management of thrombocytopenia in MDS
- Thrombopoietin receptor agonists, such as romiplostim and eltrombopag, are considered for the treatment of severe thrombocytopenia in patients with MDS with bone marrow blasts < 5%
- Platelet transfusion is the current standard treatment for managing thrombocytopenia in MDS
In conclusion, MDS typically leads to decreased platelet counts (thrombocytopenia) rather than increased platelet counts (thrombocytosis). Therefore, MDS does not cause thrombocytosis.