Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of disorders caused by dysfunctional bone marrow production which subsequently leads to poorly developed or dysfunctional blood cells.

MDS affects individuals of any ethnicity or gender. Age being a significant risk factor, MDS is most commonly diagnosed in persons above the age of 65. Additional risk factors can include being of South Asian descent.

Physical signs of MDS include: fatigue, pale skin, easy or unusual bruising or bleeding, pinpoint sized red spots beneath the skin, and frequent infections. The symptoms range from anemia to a shortage of platelets, and are often mistaken for signs of general aging or less serious conditions.

Diagnostics require blood tests and a bone marrow biopsy. Treatment includes medication or more extremely a blood transfusion.