RA, refractory anemia; RARS, refractory anemia with ring sideroblasts; RCMD, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia; RCMD-RS, refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and ringed sideroblasts; RAEB-1,refractory anemia with excess blasts-1; RAEB-2, refractory anemia with excess blasts-2

*Score is calculated based on WHO category, IPSS cytogenetics, and red cell transfusions needs. Good cytogenetics: diploid, -Y, del(5q), del(20q); poor, complex (more 3 abnormalities) or chromosome 7 alterations; intermediate, the rest. Regular transfusion is defined as a red cell transfusion every 8 weeks at least over a period of 4 months. (Adapted from Malcovati et al., 2007.³ )