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Myelodysplastic Syndrome & Pregnancy

Myelodysplastic syndrome is a group of rare blood disorders in which the bone marrow does not function properly. These disorders have a high risk of developing into a usually-fatal form of leukemia. Myelodysplastic syndrome is most frequent in people over age 50, and fewer than 25 cases have been reported in pregnant women.

  1. Symptoms

    • The most common sign of myelodysplastic syndrome is low levels of red blood cells (anemia), which may have symptoms of fatigue and weakness, or no symptoms. Other myelodysplastic syndrome symptoms may include pale skin, bruising and unusual bleeding.

    Complications

    • Pregnant women with myelodysplastic syndrome may develop a reduction of all types of blood cells (pancytopenia), including red cells, white cells, and platelets.

    Treatment

    • Pregnant women with the disorder generally do well when receiving the standard therapy for myelodysplastic syndrome, which is blood and platelet transfusions.

    Leukemia Risk

    • Pregnancy should not cause myelodysplastic syndrome to progress to leukemia, according to a study published in the March 2002 issue of Leukemia Research.

    Warning

    • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved lenalidomide (Revlimid) in 2005 for the treatment of a certain type of myelodysplastic syndrome. However, this drug is similar to thalidomide, known to cause severe birth defects.

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