Abstract:  Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) comprises a heterogeneous group of myeloid clonal neoplasms characterized by peripheral cytopenia, dysplasia and a variable clinical course with about 30% risk to transform to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In the past 15 years, diagnostic evaluations, prognostication and treatment of MDS have improved substantially. However, with the discovery of molecular markers and advent of novel targeted therapies, new challenges have emerged in the complex field of MDS. We will summarize the proposed criteria for a classification of pre- MDS conditions as well as a proposed update for minimal diagnostic criteria of MDS in the present article.

Key words: myelodysplastic syndromes, diagnosis, pre-MDS conditions