Evaluation of the Prevalence of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Associated Hematologic and Coagulation Findings in Southern Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) among patients evaluated for suspected disease at a tertiary hospital in Southern Saudi Arabia and to evaluate associated hematologic and coagulation findings.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 70 patients evaluated between 2021 and 2025 at Asir Central Hospital (ACH). Clinical and laboratory data were obtained from medical records. Diagnosis and classification of MDS were based on peripheral blood smear, bone marrow examination, and available cytogenetic findings according to the current WHO guidelines. Statistical analysis was performed to assess hematologic and coagulation profiles and their association with disease characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the 70 patients evaluated for suspected MDS, 22 (31.4%) were diagnosed with MDS. The disease predominantly affected older individuals. Hematological findings demonstrated that cytopenias were the most consistent feature. In particular, anemia was the most prominent finding, followed by leukopenia and thrombocytopenia; notably, there were statistically significant differences observed in key parameters (p<0.05). Coagulation abnormalities were evidenced by significant prolongation of prothrombin time (PT) in patients with MDS. Cytogenetic analysis was available for 20 patients. The analysis identified abnormalities in 35.0% of cases; this was most commonly del(5q) and del(20q), contributing to diagnosis and risk stratification.

CONCLUSION

MDS represented a substantial proportion of patients evaluated for suspected disease and was characterized by significant multilineage cytopenias and coagulation abnormalities, particularly prolonged PT. Integrated evaluation of hematological, morphological, and cytogenetic findings is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective clinical management. Further large-scale studies are recommended to better define the regional burden of MDS.