Pancytopenia Causes

Pancytopenia causes can be diverse and this article deals with the common causes for this medical condition. Read on...

Pancytopenia is a medical condition characterized by a deficiency of blood cells. We all know that a deficiency of red blood cells is called anemia. In case of low white blood cell count, the condition is termed as leucopenia and if the platelets count is very low, then it is thrombocytopenia. In some people, all the three conditions occur and such a condition, wherein three different and vital blood cells (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets) are found to be deficient is called pancytopenia. The symptoms and causes of pancytopenia may vary from one person to another. This article deals with some of the common pancytopenia causes.

Possible Causes for Pancytopenia

Pancytopenia is a medical condition with a wide range of symptoms and diverse causes. Till date, very little is known about the various aspects of this disease. According to some health experts, the basic cause for the occurrence of pancytopenia can be some bone marrow problem, that affects the production of blood cells. Primarily, pancytopenia is said to occur due to idiopathic and congenital reasons. The following are some of the possible pancytopenia causes. These causes can be classified into three groups – diseases, medications and medical procedures.

Medical Conditions that May Cause Pancytopenia

It is said that the most common cause for pancytopenia is aplastic anemia. Apart from that, bone marrow disease, leukemia, malignant osteoporosis, dyskeratosis congenita, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, leishmaniasis, familial hemophagocytic syndrome, etc. may lead to pancytopenia. It is also suggested that infections caused by hepatitis B and C viruses, Epstein – Barr Virus, cytomegalovirus, HIV, etc. may also be causative agents for pancytopenia. In some rare cases, hepatitis A, rubella, influenza, parainfluenza, measles and mumps are also considered as pancytopenia causes. Even arsenic poisoning, mononucleosis, hemoglobinuria, alimentary toxic aleukia, hypersplenism, systemic lupus erythematosus, etc. may lead to this condition.

Drugs and Medical Procedures

Some types of medicines are also said to cause pancytopenia, but it has been noted that in most cases, this cause is not identified. Studies show that there are many different groups of medications that may cause this condition. These includes cytotoxics, certain antibiotics and NSAIDs, chloramphenicol, anti thyroid drugs, some medicines used in the treatment of diabetes, heart problems and blood pressure, sulfonamides, colchicine, etc. Some medical procedures, like chemotherapy is also included as one of the pancytopenia causes.

Pancytopenia symptoms too vary with the cause and severity of the condition. As this condition is a combination of anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia, the affected person may experience symptoms associated with these conditions. In most cases, the initial symptoms are often mild in nature, but as the condition worsens, the symptoms too become severe. Pancytopenia symptoms include easy bruising, bleeding from the nose and gums, puffiness of face, edema, fatigue, dizziness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, headache, pallor, petachiae, rectal bleeding, frequent infections, etc. The diagnosis of pancytopenia is done by monitoring the changing count of the blood cells and bone marrow biopsy. Pancytopenia treatment aims at reversal of the underlying cause and restoration of the blood cell count. In some cases, bone marrow transplant may also be needed.

Now, you know what is the cause and treatment for pancytopenia. Right diagnosis of pancytopenia causes is very important, as far as the successful treatment of this condition is concerned.