Pancytopenia resident survival guide: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
Pancytopenia is described as a decrease in the 3 cell lines which are [[red blood cell]]s, [[white blood cell]]s and [[platelet]]s. It can be due to decreased production in the bone marrow or increased destruction of cells in the periphery. Pancytopenia can also be caused due to drugs such as [[chemotherapy]] agents. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause and appropriate therapy. | Pancytopenia is described as a decrease in the 3 cell lines which are [[red blood cell]]s, [[white blood cell]]s and [[platelet]]s. Clinically, pancytopenia is defined as [[hemoglobin]]< 9gm, [[white blood cell]] count< 4,000/cmm and [[platelet]]s < 100,000/cmm It can be due to decreased production in the bone marrow or increased destruction of cells in the periphery. Pancytopenia can also be caused due to drugs such as [[chemotherapy]] agents. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause and appropriate therapy. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Revision as of 15:06, 14 November 2020
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Sanjana Nethagani, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Pancytopenia is described as a decrease in the 3 cell lines which are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Clinically, pancytopenia is defined as hemoglobin< 9gm, white blood cell count< 4,000/cmm and platelets < 100,000/cmm It can be due to decreased production in the bone marrow or increased destruction of cells in the periphery. Pancytopenia can also be caused due to drugs such as chemotherapy agents. Treatment involves identifying the underlying cause and appropriate therapy.
Causes
Decreased production of cells
Increased peripheral destruction
Other causes
- Chemotherapy
- Parvovirus B-19 infection
- Autoimmune conditions
- Human immunodeficiency virus infection
- Tuberculosis
- Lymphoma
For a full list of pancytopenia causes, click here.
Diagnosis
Treatment
Do's
- Screen for infections like hepatitis, HIV, Parvovirus-B19, Epstein Barr virus, etc.
- Periodic, regular blood tests must be done for patients on methotrexate or other marrow suppressing drugs.
- Patients who have pancytopenia must be counselled against the use of drugs such as aspirin and other NSAIDs which may cause bleeding.