title: Myelodysplastic syndromes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To provide a framework of information from which the nurse can collaborate with the health care team to plan, coordinate, and deliver care to persons with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and their families.
  
  
  METHODS
  Research studies, book chapters, and review articles pertaining to the classification, pathogenesis, manifestations, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of MDS.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MDS are a group of hematologic disorders characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, peripheral blood cytopenias, and a propensity to transform into acute myelogenous leukemia. The primary treatment is supportive care; however, chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, and hematopoietic growth factors are also used.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Assessment, education, emotional support, monitoring of complications, and provision of help to the patient with fatigue to prioritize activities and plan periods of rest are important supportive care measures.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232-2415, USA.
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Utley
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy; D010347:Patient Care Planning; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate