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What is the difference between Aplastic Anemia and MDS?

This topic has 2 replies, 1 voice, and was last updated 17 years, 5 months ago by g-masews.

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November 15, 2006 at 9:37 pm #16038

J.claire
Member

In easily understood words, what is the main difference between Aplastic Anemia and MDS? Is it the marrow that is decisive? Also, does RCMD mean all three (red, white PLT) are low? I have read past posts about these two issues and I think I understand somewhat, but sometimes it takes a while to really “gell” in my brain. I have noticed that some of you have a talent for saying things in a clear way. It’s a huge help.

November 15, 2006 at 10:44 pm #16039

Neil
Member

There are a couple primary differences.
As a rule AA occurs in younger people. (Frequently pre teens.)
Most AA patients have hypo-plastic marrow while most (not all ) MDS patients have hyper-plastic marrow.
In AA the marrow stops making enough stem cells where in MDS the marrow produces abnormal cells and in some not enough stem cells.
AA is usually treated with immunosuppressive drugs such as ATG and ALG.
IN AA stem cell transplant are succesful in 80% of younger patients.
RCMD involves more than one cell line. May be 2 or 3 lines.

November 16, 2006 at 4:44 pm #16040

g-masews
Member

go to this web page http://www.aamds.org and sign up to get all their information on both aa and mds. It’s all free and they have a wealth of info all easy to understand. Any new patient should do this.
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