Peri-Transfusion QOL Assessments (PTQA): A New Paradigm of Transfusion Decision Support for Patients With MDS

Each patient with MDS reacts differently to blood transfusions; some will feel better after
transfusion, while others may not. The main purpose of this survey study is to determine
whether it is possible to use quality of life changes - as measured by a validated
questionnaire - experienced by individual patients to help physicians and patients with MDS
make decisions regarding future blood transfusions. This research is being done because the
investigators hope to help doctors better understand the impact of blood transfusions on the
quality of life of each patient.

The study uses a standardized MDS-specific quality of life questionnaire that participants
will fill out before and after an upcoming transfusion. The investigators will compare the
scores of these questionnaires and notify both the participant and provider if the
participant has experienced any changes (positive or negative) in his/her quality of life
before and after transfusion. The investigators' hope is that doctor-patient teams will use
this quality of life information to determine whether the participant should continue
receiving transfusions, decrease the frequency of transfusions, or stop receiving
transfusions altogether if not needed.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Age > 18 years of age

- Patients with MDS

- Patients approaching an Hb of 8.5 g/dL during enrollment period OR

- Patients with >1 transfusion scheduled during an 8-week period

- Ability to read and understand English

Exclusion Criteria:

- Age <18 years

- Cr > 2

- Known CHF

- Unstable Angina

- Hb level below 7.5 g/dL or above 8.5 g/dL

- No plan for future transfusion.

- Patient enrollment will happen after patient has consented and scheduled their
first/next transfusion.

- Patient will not be enrolled if no future transfusions are scheduled.