Refractory Anemia

• Myelodysplastic syndrome patients with refractory anemia have low amounts of red blood cells and normal amounts of platelets and white blood cells, according to the National Cancer Institute.
  
  

Ringed Sideroblasts

• Refractory anemia patients may have ringed sideroblasts or red blood cells with excessive amounts of iron.
  
  

Excess Blasts

• Individuals with refractory anemia may have excessive amounts of blood cells called blasts that may develop into acute myeloid leukemia.
  
  

Symptoms

• Patients with myelodysplastic syndromes may develop shortness of breath, weakness and a tendency to bleed to bruise easily. These conditions can cause patients to experience frequent fevers and infections.
  
  

Treatment

• Doctors may treat patients with myelodysplastic syndromes using chemotherapy, blood transfusions or stem cell transplants, according to the National Cancer Institute.