Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Description General Measures Referral D46.0-7/D46.9 DESCRIPTION A group of disorders characterised by refractory cytopaenias due to bone marrow failure. There is a risk of disease progression to acute leukaemia. Investigations Evidence of cytopenia, with normal B 12 and folate levels, and often substantial morphological dysplasia on the blood smear. Bone marrow examination confirms dysplasia of t
D46.0-7/D46.9
DESCRIPTION
A group of disorders characterised by refractory cytopaenias due to bone marrow failure. There is a risk of disease progression to acute leukaemia.
Investigations
- Evidence of cytopenia, with normal B12 and folate levels, and often substantial morphological dysplasia on the blood smear.
- Bone marrow examination confirms dysplasia of the blood elements and the presence of cytogenetic abnormalities.
GENERAL MEASURES
- Transfusion should ideally be with leucodepleted red cells to delay immunisation, as these patients require frequent transfusions.
- Bone marrow transplantation can be curative in selected patients.
- If neutropenic and febrile, see Febrile neutropenia.
REFERRAL
All patients for further investigation and management.
Standard Treatment Guidelines And Essential Medicines List For South Africa, Adult Hospital level_Version 1_30 March 2026
Chapter 2: Blood and Blood Forming Organs; 2.3 Myelodysplastic Syndromes
ICD-10 codes
- D46.0Refractory anaemia without ring sideroblasts, so stated
- D46.1Refractory anaemia with ring sideroblasts
- D46.2Refractory anaemia with excess of blasts
- D46.4Refractory anaemia, unspecified
- D46.5Refractory anaemia with multi-lineage dysplasia
- D46.6Myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated del(5q) chromosomal abnormality
- D46.7Other myelodysplastic syndromes
- D46.9Myelodysplastic syndrome, unspecified