Pancytopenia

Updated: 2023-09-06

Description

Condition in which blood has fewer red cells, white cells and platelets than usual.

Overview

Pancytopenia has many causes. Cancer, infection, certain medicines and nutrition problems can keep the bone marrow from making the blood cells the body needs. Some of the causes can be life-threatening.

Symptoms

Depending on the cause, symptoms might include fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, and easy bleeding or bruising. The low white blood cell count may result in high risk of infection.

Treatments

Treatment depends on the underlying condition.