Infections Responsible for One-Fourth of Deaths in Patients with Lower-Risk Myelodysplastic Syndromes

Recent research has highlighted the significant role infections play in the mortality of individuals diagnosed with lower-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (LR-MDS). A study published online on April 10, 2025, in Haematologica, involving data from 2,552 patients within the European MDS Registry, revealed that approximately 7.6% of these patients experienced infections within their first year post-diagnosis. Most notably, nearly 25% of all deaths among this patient group were attributed to infectious causes.

The study, led by Bente Houtman from Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, identified key risk factors associated with increased likelihood of infection and related mortality. Factors such as hemoglobin levels below 8 g/dL, platelet counts under 50x10^9/L, and an absolute neutrophil count less than 0.8x10^9/L contributed to a heightened risk of infections. Additionally, unfavorable cytogenetics categorized as intermediate, poor, or very poor, along with the receipt of red blood cell transfusions at baseline, were linked to greater infection risk. Older age at diagnosis, low hemoglobin, and low platelet counts were independently associated with a higher risk of infection-related death.

The findings emphasize the importance of close monitoring of LR-MDS patients, especially during the initial months following diagnosis. The researchers recommend that healthcare providers consider proactive strategies to manage infections effectively, as these are a major cause of mortality in this population. Future research aims to explore the causal relationships, severity, and long-term risk factors for infections in LR-MDS patients, with the goal of improving patient management and outcomes.

Disclosure: Several authors involved in the study have disclosed ties to the pharmaceutical industry.

For more details, the full study can be accessed via DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2024.286880.