Myelodysplastic Syndrome
Myelodysplastic syndrome or MDS refers to a group of blood disorders caused by defective blood cell production in the bone marrow. Bone marrow produces immature blood cells called blasts, which over a period of time develop into mature blood cells and divide themselves into red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. In Myelodysplastic syndrome, these blasts fail to mature and either die in the marrow itself or soon after they reach the blood stream. When there are not enough healthy blood cells, the body becomes weak and is susceptible to infections. MDS is not a cancer, however, in 20 to 30% of patients, the condition may progress itself into cancer and thus this condition was earlier called preleukemia.
Causes of Myelodysplastic syndrome
Based on causes, Myelodysplastic syndrome can be classified into primary MDS and secondary MDS. Myelodysplastic syndrome presenting itself without any known cause is called primary MDS. Myelodysplastic syndrome may also occur due to some known reasons such as history of cancer treatment involving radiation and chemotherapy, exposure to certain industrial chemicals and smoking. When the cause of the MDS condition is known, it is called secondary Myelodysplastic syndrome. Identifying the type of MDS is vital to the treatment as primary MDS has better prognosis when compared to secondary MDS.
Symptoms
Myelodysplastic syndrome does not cause any symptoms in the initial stages of the disease. However, the following warning signs may show up as the disease starts to progress.
Diagnosis and treatment
MDS is diagnosed with the help of blood tests and bone marrow tests. A complete blood test is done to understand the different blood counts. However, blood tests alone cannot detect MDS. Bone marrow tests are conducted to confirm the presence of Myelodysplastic syndrome. This procedure involves taking bone marrow samples from the pelvic bone of the patient by inserting a needle under local anesthesia. Once MDS is determined, the following methods are followed to treat the condition.
Mefenamic Acid
A non steroidal anti-inflammatory drug NSAID, Mefenamic acid is predominantly used for treating mild to moderate dysmenorrhea or menstrual pain for a short term, for not more than a week. It may also be used for treating other symptoms at the discretion of the doctor. Mefenamic acid helps to reduce inflammation and thereby pain by blocking the production of some of the body chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, tenderness, stiffness, swelling and increased temperature.
Mefenamic acid blocks the body from producing prostaglandins that are linked to inflammation, thus treating the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In muscles and joints, Mefenamic acid helps to improve movement by reducing inflammation, although it may take a few weeks to relieve pain after the first few doses. This medicine is normally prescribed at the lowest possible dose for the shortest period of time to reduce chances of any side-effects. However, Mefenamic acid should not be taken if the patient exhibits the following:
Before using Mefenamic acid, a woman must check the following:
Using Mefenamic acid
There are some medicines which could interact with Mefenamic acid and the healthcare provider has to be informed if any one of the following is taken:
This acid has to be used with great caution as it could cause dizziness or drowsiness. This can get worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. As Mefenamic acid may interfere with certain lab tests, be sure that the doctor or lab technologist knows that Mefenamic acid is being taken - especially in case of blood cell counts, blood pressure, kidney function tests.
Hematologist
Hematologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating ailments related to blood, and blood systems such as bone marrow, vascular systems etc. They deal with conditions such as anemia, leukemia etc. Hematologists should be strong in the field of internal medicine, anatomy, physiology, and bio-chemistry too. A hematologist completes medical school and undergoes internship for three years in the field of internal medicine and further specializes for two years in the field of hematology. Few hematologists are also trained Oncologists, who treat problems related to blood cancer. Hematologists are specialists in treating blood disorders and anything to do with blood. They :
Modern techniques used in the field of hematology
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Diseases, Symptoms, Tests and Treatment arranged in alphabetical order:
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Bibliography / Reference
Collection of Pages - Last revised Date: October 4, 2024