Myelodysplasia

Also known as:  MDPS;  MDS;  Myelodysplastic Preleukemic Syndromes;  Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Myelodysplasia is a group of ailments that involve abnormal Bone Marrow Stem Cells (Blast Cells) producing increased numbers of immature Blood Cells.  These immature Blood Cells do not grow properly and often die prematurely, resulting in lower production of mature Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells and Platelets.  Those Blood Cells that do survive are often of poor quality, are abnormal in shape (dysplastic) and unable to function properly.  The release of these abnormal Blood Cells from the Bone Marrow into the blood stream is also defective.  This means that Myelodysplasia patients usually have a very active Bone Marrow but a low number of circulating Blood Cells.

 The incidence of Myelodysplasia is 4 – 5 per 100,000 of the population.

 Myelodysplasia is more common in persons over the age of 60 – it affects 20 – 50 per 100,000 of the population aged 60+.  Over 90% of cases of Myelodysplasia occur in persons aged 60+.

Minerals

 Copper deficiency may increase the risk of Myelodysplasia.  ^[1]

Vitamins

 Folic Acid deficiency may increase the risk of Myelodysplasia progressing to Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia.  ^[2]