Cytopenia refers to a reduction in the number of mature blood cells in one or more blood cell lineages. It can involve:
- Anemia – Decrease in red blood cells (RBCs) or hemoglobin.
- Leukopenia – Decrease in white blood cells (WBCs).
- Neutropenia (low neutrophils) is the most clinically significant subtype.
- Thrombocytopenia – Decrease in platelets.
Causes of Cytopenia
- Bone marrow disorders (e.g., aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndromes, leukemia).
- Nutritional deficiencies (e.g., B12, folate, iron).
- Autoimmune destruction (e.g., immune thrombocytopenia, autoimmune hemolytic anemia).
- Infections (e.g., HIV, parvovirus B19, sepsis).
- Medications (e.g., chemotherapy, certain antibiotics).
- Splenic sequestration (enlarged spleen trapping blood cells).
Diagnosis
- Complete blood count (CBC) identifies low cell counts.
- Peripheral blood smear and bone marrow biopsy may be needed to determine the underlying cause.
Treatment
Depends on the cause (e.g., transfusions, immunosuppressants, growth factors, or treating the underlying disease).