International Prognostic Scoring System
The International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) is used by many doctors to help assess the severity of a patient's myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Based on the IPSS score, the patient's history, and his/her personal observations, the physician will design a treatment plan to address the MDS.
The IPSS uses three "prognostic indicators" to develop a "score" which may be useful in understanding how the MDS may progress:
- the proportion of blast cells in the marrow
- the type of chromosomal changes, if any, in the marrow cells
- the presence of one or more low blood cell counts (cytopenias)
Each indicator is rated according to its severity and the ratings are combined into a "score."
Scores are sorted into one of four risk categories:
- low
- intermediate-1
- intermediate-2
- high
The two lower categories can be further described as the lower risk group while the two upper categories can be further described as the higher risk group.[1]