Table 1.

Goals of RBC and platelet transfusion in MDS

Transfusion type	Goal of transfusion	Measured by	Desired outcomes
Red cell transfusion	Improve acute and chronic symptoms of anemia (fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain, palpitations, effects on cognitive function) Minimize major complications of (severe) anemia Improve functional outcomes	Hemoglobin and hematocrit Functional measures using standardized tool (eg, fatigue score, walk distance, grip strength) or self-report	Control of symptoms Better functional status in activities of daily living Increased ability to participate in work or social and community interests
Platelet transfusion	Improve symptoms of thrombocytopenia (patient experience of skin bruising and other bleeding) Minimize major complications of (severe) thrombocytopenia Improve functional outcomes	Platelet count Bleeding assessments (eg, standardized tool or self-report)	Improved health-related QoL