International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 130-136
Focus on Myelodysplastic Syndromes Reviewed

Guido D’ANGELO

Laboratory of Clinical-Chemistry, Hematology and Microbiology, ASST - Gallarate Hospital, Varese - ITALY

Keywords: Myelodysplastic syndrome, WHO, Classification, Blasts, Genetic mutation
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) are neoplastic pathologies characterized by accelerated hematopoiesis and apoptosis; this results in a paradoxical condition featured by bone marrow progenitors hypercellularity compared to the peripheral cytopenia. In this review the WHO update goal is summarized. A new MDS nomenclature has been defined so as to make the diagnostic approach
towards these heterogeneous diseases more rational. Methodologically, the morphology study is still considered fundamental, both for the accurate blasts counting and the dysplastic detection of one or more of the three myeloid lines. Furthermore, specific genetic mutations have not only a diagnostic and prognostic importance, but it can also define a more adherent therapeutic condition, as well as identifying blurred categories or cytopenic asymptomatic patients who can evolve towards an overt MDS.