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- In some people with cytopenia, doctors are unable to find an underlying cause. In fact, doctors are unable to find a cause in about half of people with pancytopenia. When a cause is not known, it’s called idiopathic cytopenia.
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What is idiopathic fatal pancytopenia?
What does pancytopenia mean?
Can pancytopenia cause symptoms?
Jun 1, 2016 · We report for the first time a new entity “Idiopathic Fatal Pancytopenia (IFP)” for pancytopenic patients in whom a definite etiology cannot be established even after an exhaustive workup and who eventually succumb to the complication of pancytopenia.
- Hema Goyal, Vijai Tilak
- 10.7860/JCDR/2016/19230.7996
- 2016
- J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Jun; 10(6): ED09-ED11.
- Overview
- What is pancytopenia?
- What are the symptoms of pancytopenia?
- Causes of pancytopenia
- Who is at risk of pancytopenia?
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- Complications
- How long can you live with pancytopenia?
- Summary
Pancytopenia is a laboratory finding rather than a disease. It means a person has fewer platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells than usual. The workup can include a complete blood count and other tests.
Bone marrow issues can lead to pancytopenia. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue within the bones that contains stem cells, immature cells that can turn into blood cells. A problem with stem cells can mean fewer blood cells enter the bloodstream.
Nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, certain viruses or toxins, and cancer treatments can also cause pancytopenia.
This article explains what pancytopenia is in more detail, including its symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment.
Pancytopenia is the medical term for when someone has a low amount of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in their blood. It is not a disease but a laboratory indication that doctors measure using a blood test.
Doctors determine that a person has pancytopenia if their blood has:
•less than 11.5 grams per deciliter (g/dl) of hemoglobin in females or less than 13.5 g/dl in males
•fewer than 150,000 platelets per microliter (mcl)
•fewer than 4,000 leukocytes per milliliter (ml) or an absolute neutrophil count of fewer than 1,500–1,800 per ml
If someone has pancytopenia, it means there is an underlying condition causing it. Any conditions that decrease blood cell production or increase blood cell destruction may cause pancytopenia.
Mild pancytopenia may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if a person does have symptoms or more severe pancytopenia, it may cause different symptoms depending on which type of blood cell is most affected.
For example, red blood cells carry oxygen. If an individual has low levels of red blood cells, or anemia, they may experience:
•shortness of breath
•tiredness or fatigue
•chest pain
Platelets help blood clot when someone bleeds. A reduced platelet count is known as thrombocytopenia, with symptoms that may include bruising, bleeding more easily, or difficulty stopping bleeding after an injury.
The causes of pancytopenia fall into two broad categories. The first is the central type, which occurs because the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells.
The second type is peripheral, meaning a medical condition is causing the destruction of existing blood cells. Sometimes, both causes are involved.
Nutritional deficiencies are the most common cause of central pancytopenia — the body needs nutrients, such as folate and vitamin B12, to make blood cells.
If a person does not get enough nutrition from their diet, they may develop pancytopenia. Alcoholism, malabsorption, tapeworm infections, and certain drugs can also make it hard for the body to absorb nutrients.
Another cause is bone marrow failure, known as aplastic anemia. This condition can occur due to:
•certain viral infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus, HIV, hepatitis C, or parvovirus B19, which causes fifth disease in children
Individuals with any of the above underlying conditions are at a higher risk for developing pancytopenia. A family history of pancytopenia, cancer, or immunodeficiencies may also increase the risk of developing this issue.
A 2021 article states that pancytopenia is more common in children and adults in their 30s or 40s. It is also more common in males than females.
Doctors can diagnose pancytopenia with a complete blood count (CBC), a type of blood test that measures the levels of each blood cell type.
Healthcare professionals may also make a peripheral blood smear by placing some blood on a slide and examining it under a microscope.
Additionally, further tests may be necessary to find the underlying cause for pancytopenia. Such tests include:
•nutritional deficiency tests
•tests for HIV, hepatitis C, or other viruses
•tests for autoimmunity
Treatment depends on the underlying cause of the pancytopenia. It may involve:
•correcting nutritional deficiencies
•discontinuing drugs
•treating infections, such as HIV or tuberculosis
•managing autoimmune conditions
•treating cancers
A person needs sufficient levels of blood cells to live and fight infections. Individuals who do not produce enough blood cells could experience severe symptoms, which can lead to life threatening complications, including:
•an increased risk of infections
•severe, life threatening anemia
•bleeding
Anyone with a fever will require broad-spectrum antibiotics and antifungals, with further tests to determine what germs are causing the infection.
Individuals with severe anemia may need supportive transfusions with packed red blood cells and platelets.
An individual’s outlook depends on the underlying reason for the pancytopenia. Because there are many causes, there is no research exploring how long someone can live with pancytopenia.
If the issue is due to a viral infection or nutritional deficiency, pancytopenia may disappear when the virus resolves or a person addresses the deficiency through diet or supplements.
Pancytopenia involves a reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood. It can occur if the bone marrow stops producing as many blood cells as usual or if another condition causes the destruction of blood cells.
Most cases of pancytopenia are minor and often due to nutritional deficiencies. In many cases, these are treatable and not serious. However, a more serious condition could be responsible.
Nov 16, 2023 · Pancytopenia is a reduction in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the peripheral blood below the lower limits of the age-adjusted normal range for healthy people. It is therefore the combination of anaemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia.
Feb 5, 2021 · Idiopathic fatal pancytopenia is a rare disease with a grave prognosis. P ancytopenia is de ned as reduction in all three types of blood cells, such as erythrocytes, leukocytes, and...
May 31, 2022 · Pancytopenia refers to decreases in all peripheral blood lineages and is considered to be present when all three cell lines are below the normal reference range. Pancytopenia can be associated with a multitude of disease states, some of which are life threatening.
Apr 8, 2022 · Aplastic anaemia is a form of pancytopenia, most often idiopathic. May present with sequelae of neutropenia (infections), anaemia (fatigue, pallor, dyspnoea, tachycardia), or thrombocytopenia (bleeding, bruising). Laboratory findings may include leukopenia, neutropenia, anaemia, and thrombocytope...
Jun 1, 2016 · “Idiopathic Fatal Pancytopenia (IFP)” is an emerging new entity with a grave prognosis. We wish to sensitize the medical community and the scientists to this rapidly fatal condition....
