PRACTICING PHYSICIANDivision of Geriatrics Quality Partners of RI

Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS) is a bone marrow stem cell disorder, most commonly occurring in patients over 60 years old, characterized by cytopenias, bone marrow morpho-logic changes and cytogenetic abnormalities. Risks of MDS include infection, anemia, bleeding and transformation to Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML). Older adults, at higher risk, present a treatment challenge due to atypical presenta-tion, multiple co-morbidities, and increased risk of adverse ef-fects from treatment. RISK FACTORS There is a predominance of MDS in males and Cauca-sians. Prior treatment with chemotherapy and radiation pre-disposes towards MDS. Other exposures that can increase risk include tobacco, pesticides, benzenes, and heavy metals, such as mercury and lead. There is less evidence of a genetic predis