Consequences of MDS

The consequences of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are intertwined with its symptoms and treatment, and with their corresponding effects on the patient’s quality of life and psychological well being.1 Early in the disease’s course and sometimes in its mildest forms, its consequences are seemingly minor. In fact, some patients have no symptoms and are unaware of their disease until routine medical evaluations reveal anemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, or a combination of the three.2

Even mild and moderate disease, though, can have substantial consequences. When patients have chronic fatigue, irritability, dizziness, weakness, frequent infections, bleeding or bruising, their quality of life may suffer.3 Daily living may be much more difficult and complicated, and this can have a deleterious influence on patients’ activities and interactions with their family, friends and coworkers.3

Being too symptomatic to take part in normal, everyday life can be distressing, and when daily life suddenly includes appointments, diagnostic exams, transfusions, chemotherapy, blood tests, medical exams, counseling and other activities related to treatment, patients can become overwhelmed and anxious.3 In short, the patient’s quality of life may decline in relation to the severity of his or her MDS.1

Of course, the most serious consequence of MDS is the greatly shortened life expectancy that many patients may encounter.4 Some patients will experience more rapid onset and development and will be working to cope with their symptoms and the psychological stress of being diagnosed with a terminal illness. Even without the clear prospect of shortened life span, many patients will experience stress and anxiety concerning the possibility that their disease will progress to acute leukemia.1

Fortunately, recent investigations have shown that effective therapy can improve the quality of life of MDS patients.1 Read more about MDS therapy in the Treating Myelodysplastic Syndromes section.