Study Investigating the Interactions of Bone and Hematopoiesis in the Elderly

A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study to Investigate the Interactions of Bone and Hematopoiesis in the Elderly

The prospective BoHemE study is designed to evaluate the correlation between bone marrow function and skeletal health in elderly patients (>= 60 years) with or without pre-existing myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS).

Inclusion Criteria Group 1 (MDS group):

• Age ≥60 years
• With known or suspected MDS (according WHO, <20% blast count)
• Written informed consent

Inclusion Criteria Group 2 (control group):

• Age ≥60 years
• Undergoing elective knee or hip replacement therapy
• Normal blood count (defined by Hb ♀ >12 g/dL, ♂ >13 g/dL; ANC >1.8x10^9/L; PLT >100x10^9/L)
• Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria Group 1 (MDS group) + 2 (control group):

• History of bilateral total hip replacement prior to study
• Control group only: diagnosis of MDS or AML prior to study
• Dementia defined as MMSE score of <24
• Renal insufficiency with an eGFR <30 mL/min
• Liver cirrhosis Child-Pugh B or C
• Active infection (HIV, hepatitis B or C, tuberculosis)
• Heart insufficiency NYHA III or IV or severe cardiac valve disease
• Prior allogeneic stem cell transplantation