Pediatric myelodysplastic syndromes.

Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) in children are clonal hematopoietic disorders that result in ineffective hematopoiesis, peripheral cytopenias, and a propensity to develop acute myelogenous leukemia. In children, they are often associated with other genetic disorders. The French-American-British classification of MDS has been widely accepted in adults, but pediatric classification systems have been more controversial and less generally accepted. Several pediatric classification systems have been proposed and their clinical application is awaited. Insights into the biology of MDS and innovative therapies for adult patients with these disorders are generating exciting treatment options for pediatric patients with MDS.