Hi, I Had A Question Regarding Myledoplastic Syndrome. A Family

Posted on Tue, 24 Dec 2019

Question: Hi,
I had a question regarding myledoplastic syndrome. A family member back in Albania was diagnosed with it. The resources and the knowledge of doctors are very limited so I would like to get some answers from a specialist.

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (10 minutes later)

I wanted to know if medications are an option for him based on his laboratory data that I have attached, his age and critical condition. The doctors in Albania said he cannot do chemotherapy because it is too risky and he is already in critical condition. What options does he have left? Also, what diet does he need to follow?

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Chemotherapy is the only treatment available for myelodysplastic syndrome.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
The laboratory reports posted by you show pancytopenia i.e. reduction in all blood cell lines - Red blood cells, White blood cells and platelets.
Pancytopenia is seen in myelodysplastic syndrome.
The text written in your reports is not in English language is not in English so I cannot comment on it.
However, in general chemotherapy is the only modality available for myelodysplastic syndrome.
Target therapy is in very nascent state currently.
In case you afford, you may visit USA for consultation regarding latest target therapy.
You can take a balanced diet.
The blood counts need to be monitored regularly.
In case there is any sudden fall in any of the parameter, packed cells or platelets need to be infused.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (55 minutes later)

The doctors back in my country had said chemotherapy is not an option for him because it is not going to save him. He is already in critical condition. He now developed anemia as well. His hemoglobin levels are too low and his iron levels are too high. Do you think medications such as azacytidine and decitabine are an option based on his age? Or is he too old for them and his body might not react to it too well? The photos I have sent you show his erythrocytes and leukocytes at a very low count level. As far as diet, what should he stay away from and mostly eat?

Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (2 minutes later)

If there is a doctor who speaks Albanian, to read the lab results I have sent as photos, it would really help

Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (9 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The drugs are appropriate. Low Hb, WBC & plt need to be infused if low.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The drugs mentioned by you - azacytidine and decitabine are appropriate for myelodysplastic syndrome.
Supportive treatment is required for low hemoglobin, low white blood cell count and low platelet count.
Low hemoglobin can be managed with infusion of packed red blood cells till a normal hemoglobin is achieved.
For iron overload, iron chelation therapy can be started.
For low platelets, platelets can be infused to bring back platelets to normal.
The over all treatment will be supportive and not definitive.
Myelodysplastic syndrome can be managed, however, it can not be cured completely.
The patient can eat anything that is healthy, however, since there is iron overload, iron rich foods should be avoided till iron levels reach normal range.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad