Symptoms of Myelodysplastic Syndrome in Children

The production of healthy red and white blood cells and platelets are vital to maintain normal body functions. These elements of the blood, created by stem cells in bone marrow, are known as myeloid blood cells. The ineffectiveness of the body to produce myeloid blood cells (myelodysplasia) can result in what is known as Myelodysplastic Syndrome, or MDS. This condition is one of the main causes of acute myelogenuous leukemia, which can affect people of all ages.

Effects

• According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, MDS is categorized as being low-risk or high-risk. Low-risk cases are slow-developing and usually result in mild to moderate anemia. Although slightly debilitated, the affected blood cells and platelets continue to enter the bloodstream, supplying oxygen for cellular generation, fighting infections and aiding in blood-clotting. High-risk MDS causes a depletion of mature blood elements and an increase in immature "blast" cells, which results in severe anemia and possibly leukemia.

Causes

• MDS is more frequently found in older adults, people who have had chemotherapy or people who have had high levels of exposure to certain contaminants, such as pesticides and benzene. However, MDS can occur in children as young as 5. Causal factors can include a genetic predisposition to chromosomal irregularities, blood disorders such as anemia and hepatitis, and development of juvenile leukemia.

Symptoms

• Signs of this condition are not readily detectable. In many cases, symptoms of MDS are not discovered until a blood test for other conditions reveals signs of blood cell dysplasia. Certain symptoms of potential MDS are similar to anemia, including chronic fatigue and weakness, shortness of breath, frequent infections, and unusual bruising and bleeding. Paleness of the skin and small spots under the skin from irregular bleeding are also symptoms of MDS.

Diagnosis

• Detection of MDS in children may be aided by an understanding of any past medical conditions symptomatic of blood cell dysplasia. Anemic conditions, family history of blood cell dysfunctions and certain physiological abnormalities can indicate a potential for onset of myelodysplastic syndrome in children. Examination of blood cell characteristics to identify symptoms of MDS may include blood counts, blood tests to eliminate other possible causes, cancer screening and bone marrow examination.

Treatment

• Blood and platelet transfusions are the most common MDS treatments. The procedures maintain a consistent presence of healthy blood cells and platelets to counteract the breakdown of healthy cells. The first drug to be indicated for MDS is Vidaza (azacitdine), which normalizes DNA characteristics of blood cells found in bone marrow. Recent advances in stem-cell research offer more options for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome in children.