Factors predicting early mortality after new diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome: A population‐based study

Objective Little prospective data regarding factors determining patient outcomes in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are available. To establish features of early mortality in MDS, we compare characteristics of patients dying within 1 year of diagnosis with those surviving longer. Methods We prospectively enrolled adults with a new MDS diagnosis in a population‐based case‐control study. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for potential predictors of early mortality. Subgroup analyses were conducted within the following groups: high‐/very‐high‐risk IPSS‐R; very‐low‐/low‐/intermediate‐risk IPSS‐R; treated patients; and supportive care only patients. Results We observed early mortality in those with abnormal cytogenetics (OR: 3.36, 95% CI: 1.52‐7.46), three or greater cytogenetic abnormalities (OR: 3.48, 95% CI: 1.51‐7.99), treatment at a community medical center (versus academic) (OR: 2.55, 95% CI: 1.18‐5.47), and with 2‐3 concurrent medical comorbidities (OR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.08‐4.22). Similarly, in subgroup analyses, abnormal cytogenetics remained the main predictor of early mortality. Conclusion Complex cytogenetics and prognostic risk category have been associated with early mortality without intervention. Our data confirm these associations in a large, prospectively followed cohort and highlight the significance of cytogenetic abnormalities and complexity regardless of IPSS‐R risk categorization or treatment.