Platelet Transfusions with MDS

[Shirlee N.]

My husband, who is 75, has needed a platelet transfusion every week for the last 13 weeks. It certainly seems as though he is now "transfusion dependent". Does anyone know how long this can go on? What if he were to need surgery for another problem? He has recently developed an irregular heart rate and he is going to be evaluated for this new problem today. He has completed 8 rounds of Vidaza, uses procrit weekly and neupogen occasionally. His doctor thinks he has gotten a partial response to Vidaza. His platelets have not responded at all.

[Birgitta-A]

Hi Shirlee,
You know some patients will be "resistent" to platelet transfusion - their platelets don't increase after transfusions. Since your husband seems to still have positive effect after 13 transfusions we can hope that he continues to respond.

I don't think anybody knows how long this can continue. If he needs surgery they can give him many platelets transfusion brfore the surgery.

Good that your husband has a partial response to Vidaza!
kind regards
Birgitta-A
73 yo, dx MDS Interm-1 2006. Pos effect after treatment with Thalidomide + Prednisone since 2010.