Review Article

Transfusion Thresholds, Quality of Life, and Current Approaches in Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Table 1

Practical considerations in myelodysplasia.

Improving quality of lifeEnrol patients in clinical trials with liberal transfusion thresholds where possible
Avoid large fluctuations in hemoglobin levels
Adopt a holistic approach including the psychological and social needs of the patients
Consider home transfusion strategies for the frailer patient
Use validated QoL questionnaires in different time points

Minimizing transfusion related complicationsUse growth factors and erythropoietin stimulating agents as per international guidelines
Enrol patients in clinical trials with iron chelation therapies
Consider extended matching for the Rhesus and Kelly blood groups to minimize the risk of alloimmunization