[Myelodysplastic syndromes. Diagnosis and care in patients over 70 years of age].

A FREQUENT CONDITION IN GERIATRICS: Myelodysplastic syndromes comprise a group of bone marrow disorders characterized by abnormal hematopoetic stem cell clones. They are generally observed after 60 years of age with a peak frequency in the 70-80 year age group. Prevalence is probably underestimated and diagnosis is commonly made in geriatric wards. DIAGNOSIS:Clinical presentations vary widely, making diagnosis a difficult task. Cytology studies play a predominant role. Recent progress in our understanding of myelodysplastic syndromes have been achieved with cytogenic and molecular biology techniques, although the diagnostic procedures and management of elderly subjects have changed little. DISEASE COURSE AND TREATMENT:Prognosis of myleodysplastic syndromes is highly variable and mainly depends on the type of syndrome according to the international FAB classification. Therapeutic management in patients over 70 is limited in most cases to symptomatic treatment, principally with transfusional support.