|  | Conditions Treatments | Blood Disorders

Myelodysplastic Syndrome Medication

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of blood and bone marrow diseases stemming from bone marrow cellularity. Low white blood count, low platelet count--and, in some instances, increased monocytes--are the main indicators of this syndrome. The treatments for Myelodysplastic syndrome attempt to slow progression, ameliorate symptoms and increase quality of life.

  1. Definition

    • Under normal conditions, bone marrow creates blood stem cells that develop into mature cells over time. Myeloid and lymphoid are the two types of stem cells that the marrow creates. Lymphoid cells mature into white blood cells and myeloid cells can mature into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. With Myelodysplastic Syndrome, the stem cells do not mature into viable blood cells, and the immature blood cells, or blasts, function improperly, die in the marrow or die shortly after enter the blood stream. This leads to less production and less room for healthy cells in the marrow.

    Erythropoietin

    • Erythropoietin is given to patients with Myelodysplastic Syndrome to increase red blood cells. Erythropoietin occurs naturally in the body and is produced by the kidneys. The medicine stimulates bone marrow in an attempt to produce more red blood cells.

    Deferoxamine

    • Deferoxamine is given to patients who receive blood transfusions to treat Myelodysplastic Syndrome. A side effect to transfusions is a buildup of iron in the blood. Deferoxamine decreases the iron buildup and is often administered with chelation therapy.

    Lenalidomide and Chemotherapy

    • Lenalidomide is classified as angiogenesis inhibitors and is administered in an attempt to stunt tumor growth by inhibiting the growth of new blood vessel that feed the tumors. It is mostly used with patients with chromosome issues in order to lessen transfusions. Chemotherapy is also administered in some cases to prevent tumors from affecting normal blood cell maturation.

    Antithymocyte Globulin

    • Antithymocyte is a protein that is administered to patients who receive bone marrow transplants to avoid graft versus host disease (rejection of the marrow).

    Antibiotics

    • Antibiotics are administered to patients with compromised immune systems due to Myelodysplastic Syndrome. When the patients may issue is a low white blood count, the risk of infection increases, and antibiotics are necessary to keep the patient healthy.

Blood Disorders - Related Articles