Cytopenia
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:
- Anemia – A decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs), leading to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity.
- Leukopenia – A deficiency in white blood cells (WBCs), or leukocytes, which impairs the immune response.
- Neutropenia – A subtype of leukopenia characterized by low levels of neutrophils, the most common type of WBC.
- Thrombocytopenia – A deficiency of platelets, leading to impaired blood clotting.
- Pancytopenia – A condition in which all three major blood cell types (RBCs, WBCs, and platelets) are reduced. This is often a feature of aplastic anemia and may be life-threatening.
There are also two overarching categories based on the cause:
- Autoimmune cytopenia – Caused by autoimmune diseases in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys healthy blood cells.
- Refractory cytopenia – Often seen in myelodysplastic syndromes or bone marrow failure, where the bone marrow fails to produce sufficient healthy blood cells.
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]
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold extremities
- Poor concentration
Symptoms of Leukopenia[edit | edit source]
- Frequent infections
- Fever
Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia[edit | edit source]
Causes[edit | edit source]
Cytopenias can arise from a wide range of underlying causes, including:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Bone marrow failure
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cancerous tumors
- Medications:
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis typically involves:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Peripheral blood smear
- Bone marrow biopsy and aspiration
- Immunological and genetic tests, if autoimmune or myelodysplastic conditions are suspected
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of cytopenia depends on its type and underlying cause:
Anemia[edit | edit source]
- Iron-rich diet
- Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents:
- Iron supplements, vitamin B12, or folate therapy
Thrombocytopenia[edit | edit source]
- Avoidance of skin trauma or injury
- Platelet transfusions in severe cases
Neutropenia[edit | edit source]
- Strict hygiene and infection control
- Antibiotics for infections
- Colony-stimulating factors:
Pancytopenia[edit | edit source]
- Immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., antithymocyte globulin (ATG), cyclosporine)
- Bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplantation
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]
- Polycythemia – Opposite condition characterized by excess blood cells
- Hematology
- Anemia
- Leukopenia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Pancytopenia
- Myelodysplastic syndromes
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD