כל תכני עושים היסטוריה Transfusions and quality of life [MDS Professional Report]
May 1, 2023
In this enlightening discussion, Professor Rena Buckstein, a leading expert in myelodysplastic syndromes, shares her insights on red blood cell transfusions and their impact on patient quality of life. She emphasizes that improvements in hemoglobin levels don't always correlate with better outcomes. The conversation explores evolving transfusion thresholds, with many patients advocating for higher limits. Additionally, Buckstein highlights the importance of factors like frailty and comorbidities, revealing how they influence both treatment efficiency and the financial aspects of care.
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Quality of Life Is Multifactorial
- Quality of life in MDS patients is multifactorial and not always improved by raising hemoglobin levels alone.
- Factors such as frailty, comorbidities, and psychological concerns also significantly affect quality of life.
Individualize Transfusion Thresholds
- Individualize transfusion thresholds based on patient symptoms and preferences rather than strict hemoglobin cutoffs.
- Consider patients' wish to monitor hemoglobin at home for timely transfusions and better symptom management.
Frailty Predicts Hospitalization and Cost
- Frailty independently predicts hospitalization risk and healthcare costs in MDS patients beyond age and disease severity.
- Transfusion dependence also drives costs, highlighting the need to reduce it in treatment strategies.