Kaplan–Meier curve analyses, univariable and multivariable Cox-regression were then used to determine whether the Ki-67 proliferation index of nucleated erythroid cells in the BM and Hb levels in the peripheral blood at initial diagnosis were associated with the development of transfusion-dependence of MDS patients during the follow-up period of 1 year postdiagnosis. The gene discussed is GSTM1; the disease is myelodysplastic syndrome.