Cytopenia is a reduction in the number of mature blood cells. It can have many causes, and commonly occurs in people with cancer being treated with radiation therapy or chemotherapy.

Types

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There are also two general causes of cytopenia: autoimmune and refractory. Autoimmune cytopenia is caused by an autoimmune disease when your body produces antibodies to destroy the healthy blood cells. Refractory cytopenia is caused by bone marrow not producing healthy blood cells, and can be a result of cancer.

Symptoms and signs

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The symptoms of cytopenia vary depending on the type.

The symptoms of anemia include:[citation needed]

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Poor concentration
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Cold hands or feet[4]

The symptoms of leukopenia include:

  • Frequent infections
  • Fever

The symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:

  • Easily bleeding or bruising
  • Difficulty to stop bleeding
  • Internal bleeding

Causes

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Cytopenias can be caused by anything that decreases the production of blood cells or increases the destruction of blood cells. This includes, but is not limited to:[citation needed]

  • Chemotherapy
  • Malignant tumors
  • Antacids
  • Antibiotics
  • Anticonvulsants
  • Antimalarials
  • Antivirals
  • Cardiac drugs
  • Diabetes drugs
  • Hyperthyroid drugs
  • NSAIDs
  • Rheumatoid arthritis drugs

Treatment

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The treatments for cytopenia vary depending on the type of cytopenia. The treatment for anemia is rest and a diet consisting of high iron foods. Medication can also be used such as:[citation needed]

  • Epoetin alfa, a synthetic erythropoietin that stimulates stem cells to produce red blood cells.
  • Darbepoetin alfa stimulates red blood cells but requires less daily doses and less disruption in activities.
  • Growth factors, synthetic versions of substances involved in stimulating red and white blood cell production, such as G-CSF and GM-CSF.

People with thrombocytopenia are advised to avoid contact with people who are ill, monitor closely for signs of infection, and take antibiotics when appropriate.

Bone marrow and stem cell transplantation are effective for all types of cytopenias. However, when a compatible donor cannot be found, immunosuppressive therapy is also common. Antilymphocyte globulin (ALG) or antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is mixed with cyclosporine to promote cell growth. [5]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Leukopenia - MeSH - NCBI". www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
  2. ^ "Neutropenia - MeSH - NCBI". www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved 2019-08-14.
  3. ^ "Cytopenia Overview, Types - Cytopenia - HealthCommunities.com". www.healthcommunities.com. Retrieved 2019-02-26.
  4. ^ "Anemia - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2019-02-26.
  5. ^ "Cytopenia Treatment, Prognosis - Cytopenia - HealthCommunities.com". www.healthcommunities.com. Archived from the original on 2020-01-18. Retrieved 2019-02-26.