Cytopenia

From WikiMD.com Medical Encyclopedia

Reduction in the number of mature blood cells


Cytopenia
Synonyms Blood cell deficiency
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Varies by type; includes fatigue, frequent infections, easy bruising
Complications Infection, bleeding, anemia
Onset N/A
Duration N/A
Types N/A
Causes Cancer, autoimmune disease, chemotherapy, bone marrow failure
Risks N/A
Diagnosis Complete blood count, bone marrow biopsy
Differential diagnosis N/A
Prevention N/A
Treatment Depends on type; includes medications, growth factors, immunosuppressive therapy, bone marrow transplantation
Medication N/A
Prognosis N/A
Frequency N/A
Deaths N/A


Cytopenia is a general term referring to a reduction in the number of mature blood cells circulating in the bloodstream. This condition can affect one or more types of blood cells and is commonly observed in individuals undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer.

Types of Cytopenia[edit | edit source]

There are several specific types of cytopenia based on the type of blood cell affected:

There are also two overarching categories based on the cause:

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

The symptoms of cytopenia vary depending on the specific type and severity of cell deficiency.

Symptoms of Anemia[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of Leukopenia[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia[edit | edit source]

Causes[edit | edit source]

Cytopenias can arise from a wide range of underlying causes, including:

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis typically involves:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment of cytopenia depends on its type and underlying cause:

Anemia[edit | edit source]

Thrombocytopenia[edit | edit source]

  • Avoidance of skin trauma or injury
  • Platelet transfusions in severe cases

Neutropenia[edit | edit source]

Pancytopenia[edit | edit source]

Growth Factor Therapy[edit | edit source]

Synthetic growth factors stimulate production of specific blood cells:

  • Epoetin alfa – Stimulates red blood cell production
  • Filgrastim (G-CSF) – Increases neutrophil counts
  • Sargramostim (GM-CSF) – Stimulates WBC and macrophage production

See Also[edit | edit source]

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