[Myelodysplastic syndromes in children, Groupe d'étude des myélodysplasies de l'enfant de la Société d'hématologie et d'immunologie pédiatrique (SHIP)]

[Childhood myelodysplastic syndromes]

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in children constitute a heterogeneous disorder, including "primary" MDS and MDS associated with constitutional disorders or metabolic diseases. The Franco-American-British (FAB) cytological classification for adults can be applied for childhood in 50 to 100% of the cases. The transformation into acute myeloblastic leukemia often occurs, but stabilisation or spontaneous regression of the disease may also be observed. Allogenic bone marrow transplantation is the best curative option when treatment is necessary.