Refractory anemia with excess of blasts (RAEB) is a rare type of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is a group of disorders that affect the bone marrow and blood cells. RAEB occurs when the bone marrow produces an excessive number of immature blood cells, known as blasts, which do not mature into healthy blood cells. This can lead to a shortage of healthy blood cells, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and increased susceptibility to infections.
RAEB is classified into two subtypes, RAEB-1 and RAEB-2, based on the percentage of blasts present in the bone marrow. RAEB-1 is characterized by 5 to 9% blasts, while RAEB-2 is characterized by 10 to 19% blasts. RAEB-2 is considered more severe, as the higher number of blasts can lead to a greater risk of developing acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
The symptoms of RAEB are similar to other types of MDS and can vary from person to person. Some common symptoms of RAEB include:
It is important to note that not everyone with RAEB will experience all of these symptoms. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may have more severe symptoms.
Treatment for RAEB depends on several factors, including the subtype of RAEB, the severity of symptoms, and the overall health of the patient. Treatment options for RAEB include:
It is important to discuss all treatment options with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of action for each individual patient.