Hi aggarab,
Low platelets (thrombocytopenia) is a common adverse effect of Vidaza (azacitidine). It is often treated with dose reduction, delays in the next Vidaza cycle and platelet transfusions.
http://abstracts.hematologylibrary.o...urcetype=HWCIT
As you can see in the table 54 of 175 patients (31 %) had low platelets after the first cycle but only 30 of the patients after the second cycle. I don´t think steroids have much effect in MDS patients.
Then many clinics only treat patients with Vidaza during 5 days in a 28 days cycle since that dose gives better response and fewer adverse effects.
Hope your father will have a good response next cycle!
Kind regards
Birgitta-A
69 yo, dx MDS Interm-1 May 2006, transfusion dependent, Desferal for iron overload, Neupogen for low white blood cells, last platelet count 50, asymptomatic