Exposure to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune has been linked to a number of health problems.
One of the adverse health effects of Camp Lejeune water contamination is a group of bone marrow disorders known as myelodysplastic syndromes.
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of diverse bone marrow disorders where the bone marrow does not produce enough healthy blood cells.
These syndromes can lead to anemia, increased risk of infections, and bleeding.
Over time, some cases of MDS may progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
“Myelodysplastic” means relating to abnormal development or function of bone marrow cells.
Aplastic anemia and myelodysplastic syndromes are listed on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) list of health conditions that have a presumptive service connection.
Being placed on the list of conditions that have a presumptive service connection, aplastic anemia and other myelodysplastic syndromes have a causal relationship to the contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
If you or a loved one lived or worked at Camp Lejeune for 30 days or more between 1953 and 1987 and have been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes, you may be eligible to file a Camp Lejeune Justice Act claim or pursue a Camp Lejeune Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation, or use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for legal action instantly.
About Myelodysplastic Syndromes
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are a group of rare but grave bone marrow disorders that affect the production of healthy blood cells, leading to the overproduction of immature blood cells.
In MDS, the bone marrow fails to produce enough functional blood-forming cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets), leading to various complications.
These conditions are often characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis, meaning the bone marrow can’t produce normal blood cells or fails to produce enough normal blood stem cells.
MDS can occur in people of all ages, but it is most commonly diagnosed in older individuals — typically those over 65.
The exact cause of MDS is not always clear, but exposure to certain environmental toxins and genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing MDS.
Causes of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
While MDS can develop spontaneously in some cases, there is growing evidence linking exposure to specific environmental contaminants to the development of MDS.
Exposure to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune has been directly linked to the development of myelodysplastic syndromes.
Under other circumstances, several risk factors affect the likelihood of developing MDS in individuals.
Other risk factors for myelodysplastic syndromes apart from Camp Lejeune water contamination include:
- Genetic Mutations: Some people inherit genetic mutations that increase their risk of developing MDS. These mutations can affect the normal functioning of blood cells and predispose individuals to MDS.
- Radiation Exposure: Ionizing radiation, which can come from medical treatments, occupational exposure, or environmental sources, can damage bone marrow and increase the risk of MDS.
- Smoking: Cigarette smoke contains benzene and other harmful chemicals, which can increase the risk of MDS and other cancers.
Complications of Myelodysplastic Syndromes
MDS can have a profound impact on a person’s health and quality of life.
The complications associated with MDS can include:
- Anemia: MDS often leads to a low red blood cell count, causing fatigue, weakness, and pale skin.
- Increased Infection Risk: A shortage of functional white blood cells in MDS patients can make them more susceptible to infections.
- Bleeding and Bruising: A low platelet count can result in excessive bleeding and bruising, even from minor injuries.
- Higher Risk of Leukemia: In some cases, MDS can progress to acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a more aggressive and life-threatening form of blood cancer.
- Fatigue: The cumulative effects of MDS and its complications can lead to persistent fatigue and a decreased ability to perform daily activities.
How are Myelodysplastic Syndromes Treated?
While Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) can be challenging to treat, several options are available to manage the disease or potentially lead to a cure.
Treatment options for myelodysplastic syndromes include:
- Supportive care: Supportive therapy primarily involves blood transfusions, growth factors, and medications to treat symptoms and improve quality of life without directly addressing the disease.
- Hypomethylating agents: Drugs like azacitidine (Vidaza) and decitabine (Dacogen), known as hypomethylating agents, can help control the disease by modifying the behavior of the abnormal cells.
- Immunosuppressive therapy: Immunosuppressive drugs like antithymocyte globulin (ATG) can be effective for some patients, particularly those with a specific subtype of MDS.
- Chemotherapy: While more commonly used for MDS that has transformed into acute myeloid leukemia, certain chemotherapy drugs can be used to treat MDS directly.
- Stem cell transplant: A hematopoietic stem cell transplant, often from a matched donor, has the potential to cure MDS but comes with significant risks and is generally considered for younger patients or those with high-risk MDS.
According to the American Cancer Society, the most effective treatment for MDS is stem cell transplant even though most patients are not eligible for this type of treatment.
