Pancytopenia is a medical condition in which there is a reduction in the number

of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets. If only two parameters from the full blood count are low, the term bicytopenia can be used. The diagnostic approach is the same as for pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is a deficiency of all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It occurs when your body cannot produce enough blood cells because the bone marrow stem cells that form blood cells do not function normally. Pancytopenia has widespread effects on the entire body by leading to oxygen shortage as well as problems with immune function. Aplastic anemia is a medical term that refers to a decrease in production of all types of blood cells.

Pancytopenia occurs in two forms: idiopathic, in which the cause is not known, but is often autoimmune, meaning that the body attacks its own tissues as foreign substances; and secondary, often caused by environmental factors. Approximately half of all pancytopenia cases are idiopathic. In other cases, viral infections, radiation or chemotherapy treatments, drug reactions, and exposure to toxins may precipitate the development of pancytopenia. Pancytopenia may develop slowly over time or suddenly, and it can progress in a variety of ways. Symptoms of pancytopenia can include bleeding, easy bruising, fatigue, shortness of breath, and weakness. The decrease in white blood cells, which are involved in the bodys defense, or immune, system, also leads to an increased risk of infection. Treatments for pancytopenia include drugs that suppress the immune system (immunosuppressant drugs) and bone marrow stimulant drugs, blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant, and stem cell replacement therapy. In some cases, symptoms of pancytopenia can be severe or life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care (call 1122) if you experience high fever, seizures or convulsions, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, or confusion or loss of consciousness for even a brief moment.

Pancytopenia Symptoms

Pancytopenia sufferers display a number of abnormalities apart from low blood cell and platelet count. These signs and symptoms of Pancytopenia are mostly internal in nature even though some are visible from the outside as well. Some of the major Pancytopenia signs and symptoms are: Fatigue Decreased blood cell levels cause tiredness in people suffering from this condition. Infection The low blood cell count can make the person vulnerable to complicated conditions like infections. Nose Bleeding Pancytopenia patients commonly suffer from bleeding through the nose which becomes a cause for concern for them. Increased Menstrual Bleeding
Women suffering from this health syndrome often experience excessive bleeding during their menstrual periods.

Hemorrhage
Excessive bleeding may lead to hemorrhage in some people.

Petechiae

Picture 1 Petechiae Source calicutmedicaljournal

Hemorrhage in blood vessels may give rise to tiny red spots in the skin called petechiae.

Pallor
There is a visible paleness in the skin of the affected people.

Rapid Heart Beat

The suffering persons may also experience an increased heart rate.

Shortness of Breath
The patient may also suffer from a shortness of breath. Reduced breathing rate may be a cause of concern as may also be an indication of other health conditions like pulmonary embolism or pneumonia. In serious cases, it may also be a symptom of an impending heart attack.

Pancytopenia Causes
Pancytopenia may result from a variety of factors. Some of the main causes of Pancytopenia are:

Bone Marrow Diseases

Diseases that affect bone marrow, such as Leukemia, impact new blood cell production and may lead to Pancytopenia.

Radiation Exposure
Exposure to radiation can also damage the bone marrow and cause the condition.

Autoimmune Disorders
Diseases affecting immunity, such as HIV, often appear as one of the major Pancytopenia causes. These days, in most cases of Pancytopenia HIV is being found to be the prime cause.

Drugs
Certain medications have also been found to cause a drop in blood cell count and give rise to this disorder. Some of the major drugs causing Pancytopenia include a few types of :

Antibiotics Cytotoxics Anti thyroid medications Non steroid medicines Anti-inflammatory drugs Heart medicines

High blood pressure medicines

If you are having symptoms that resemble this condition, you can consult your doctor to know about the drugs that cause Pancytopenia. This will let you check if any of your recent medications has caused the condition.

Heredity
Congenital reasons are also believed to be a factor behind the development of this condition.

Medical Conditions
Different medical syndromes like malignant osteoporosis, lymphohistiocytosis, dyskeratosis congenita and leishmaniasis are also considered to be causes for this disorder.

Infections
Infections caused by B and C Hepatitis viruses are also thought to cause this disease. In some rare situations, measles causes Pancytopenia. Other diseases that may induce the condition are Hepatitis A, Parainfluenza and Influenza.

Pancytopenia Diagnosis
The condition is generally diagnosed by a blood test to check any reduction in blood cell count. A biopsy of the bone marrow is also done to make sure that the symptoms are not resulting from any other disease like leukemia, anemia or thrombocytopenia.

Pancytopenia Treatment
The treatment of Pancytopenia is done by finding out the real cause of the symptoms. After a proper diagnosis reveals the reason behind the symptoms the person is suffering from, a treatment is carried out. If the underlying condition is found to be Pancytopenia, the treatment usually consists of medications. With proper medications and management, the blood count level goes up once again. In rare cases, a bone marrow transplant may also be carried out. Patients are usually advised to take rest during their treatment for Pancytopenia. Doctors also advise affected persons to avoid environments that may expose them to microbes. This is because reduced blood cell count makes them more vulnerable to infection. If Pancytopenia is found to have been caused by some earlier medication, it is stopped and changed with a course of some other drug.

After the condition has been treated, patients may have to undergo periodic blood tests. In people suffering from Pancytopenia tests are necessary to make sure that the levels of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are normal. If you are already suffering from Pancytopenia, it may be an indication of bone marrow damage. Leaving Pancytopenia untreated may leave you vulnerable for infection and increase risks for you to suffer from complicated health conditions in future. So if you are suffering from the disease or have a dear one who is having it, it is best that you seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid future complications. References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pancytopenia http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/p/pancytopenia/intro.htm http://www.medicinenet.com/symptoms_and_signs/article.htm http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/199003-overview http://doctor.ndtv.com/faq/ndtv/fid/9871/What_is_the_cause_and_treatment_for_pancytopenia.ht ml http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pancytopenia.htm