Pancytopenia (CH) Flashcards
1
Q
Define pancytopenia.
A
Reduction in number of RBCs, WBCs and platelets in the peripheral blood flow
2
Q
List some causes of pancytopenia. (11)
A
- chemotherapy
- radiotherapy
- vitamin B12/folic acid deficiency
- aplastic anaemia - anaemia caused by BM failure
- myelofibrosis
- multiple myeloma
- methotrexate - can lead to BM suppression causing pancytopenia
- acute and chronic leukaemia
- lymphoma (Non-Hodgkin’s, hairy cell)
- cirrhosis, hepB&C, autoimmune hepatitis
- HIV, CMV, Mycobacterial infection
3
Q
What is aplastic anaemia (pancytopenia)?
A
Anaemia caused by bone marrow failure –> normochromic, normocytic anaemia
4
Q
How would an aplastic crisis show up on bloods (parvovirus B19)? (2)
A
- low reticulocytes
- sudden anaemia - drop in Hb
5
Q
What are the three main categories of symptoms of pancytopenia?
A
Symptoms of anaemia, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia
6
Q
What are the clinical features of pancytopenia? (10)
A
- SOB
- pale skin
- fatigue
- weakness
- fever
- recurrent infection
- easy bruising
- petechiae
- purpura
- bleeding gums and nosebleeds
7
Q
What investigations do we request in pancytopenia? (3)
A
- FBC
- blood smear
- bone marrow aspiration and biopsy - to see if there is an issue with the bone marrow
8
Q
What is the management plan for pancytopenia? (2)
A
- RBC and platelet transfusion
- bone marrow and stem cell transplant
