Infectious Complications in Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes: A Report from the Düsseldorf MDS Registry

Simple Summary In patients with hematologic malignancies, especially those undergoing intensive treatments like chemotherapy, infections pose a significant and life-threatening risk. This is particularly true for individuals with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), a condition commonly affecting the elderly and characterized by low blood-cell counts, including anemia and neutropenia. A retrospective study involving 1593 patients from the Dusseldorf MDS Registry aimed to address two key objectives: describe the incidence of infections in MDS patients and identify risk factors contributing to increased susceptibility to infections. The study highlights the critical need for tailored approaches to prevent and manage infections in immunocompromised individuals, underlining the importance of understanding and addressing factors influencing the risk of developing infections in this vulnerable patient population.Abstract Despite notable advancements in infection prevention and treatment, individuals with hematologic malignancies still face the persistent threat of frequent and life-threatening complications. Those undergoing chemotherapy or other disease-modifying therapies are particularly vulnerable to developing infectious complications, increasing the risk of mortality. Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) predominantly affect the elderly, with the incidence rising with age and peaking at around 70 years. Patients with MDS commonly present with unexplained low blood-cell counts, primarily anemia, and often experience varying degrees of neutropenia as the disease progresses. In our subsequent retrospective study involving 1593 patients from the Dusseldorf MDS Registry, we aimed at outlining the incidence of infections in MDS patients and identifying factors contributing to heightened susceptibility to infectious complications in this population.