The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) is a clinical calculator used for the prognosis of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). MDS is a group of disorders characterized by poorly formed blood cells or cells that do not work properly. The IPSS is used to predict the risk of progression to acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and overall survival in newly diagnosed MDS patients.
The IPSS takes into account factors such as the number of cytopenias (low counts of one or more types of blood cells), the percentage of bone marrow blasts (immature cells), and the type of chromosomal abnormalities. Based on these factors, patients are categorized into four risk groups: low, intermediate-1, intermediate-2, and high.
The IPSS is not applicable to patients with secondary MDS (MDS that develops as a result of treatment for another disease or exposure to certain chemicals), or those who have already progressed to AML. It is also less accurate in patients who have received prior therapy for MDS.
Reference
P Greenberg, C Cox, M M LeBeau et al. International scoring system for evaluating prognosis in myelodysplastic syndromes. Blood. 1997 Mar 15;89(6):2079-88.
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