Pancytopenia is a medical condition in which there is a shortage in the amount of different kinds of blood cells, including: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In comparison, there are other conditions such as anemia (decrease in only red blood cells), leukopenia (shortage of white blood cells), thrombocytopenia (decrease of the number of platelets), and neutropenia (lessening of neutrophil granulocytes).

Symptoms

Pancytopenia symptoms may be different in each individual case of the condition. The reduced blood cells as mentioned above are some. Other possible medical signs and symptoms may include:

Anemia
Bleeding problems / easy bruising / hemorrhage
Fatigue / weakness
Frequent infections
Headache
Menstrual bleeding (excessive)
Nose bleeds (epistaxis)
Pallor
Petechiae
Rapid / increased heart rate
Shortness of breath
Thrombocytopenia

Please bear in mind that any one or more particular symptoms do not necessarily indicate a case of pancytopenia, as other underlying causes may exist. Additionally, a lack of one, some, or all of the symptoms does not indicate that a patient does not possibly have pancytopenia.

Additional information on symptoms

Causes

Pancytopenia causes may differ from one case to the next. Some potential causes may include:

Alimentary toxic aleukia (ALA)
Antibiotics (rare)
Aplastic anemia
Blood pressure medication (rare)
Bone marrow disease
Chemotherapy
Dyskeratosis congenita
Familial hemophagocytic syndrome
Folate deficiency (if severe)
Heart medication (rare)
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)
Hypersplenism
Leishmaniasis
Leukemia
Malignant osteoporosis
Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Viral infections (if severe)
Vitamin B12 deficiency (if severe)

Additional information on causes

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of pancytopenia is made by a doctor or medical professional. The common method is a bone marrow biopsy, which is used to assist in discerning between potential causes.

Treatment

Pancytopenia treatment may differ depending upon the cause of the condition, the individual patient, and potentially other factors. After a diagnosis is made, a recommended treatment method may possibly be provided.