GC: n

S: PMC – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ (last access: 5 December 2014); DORLAND p. 679.

N: 1. From Greek, pan + kytos, cell, penia, poverty.
2. Pancytopenia is a relatively common hematological entity. It is a striking feature of many serious and life-threatening illnesses, ranging from simple drug-induced bone marrow hypoplasia, megaloblastic anemia to fatal bone marrow aplasias and leukemias. The severity of pancytopenia and the underlying pathology determine the management and prognosis. Thus, identification of the correct cause will help in implementing appropriate therapy.
3. Symptoms of pancytopenia:
The signs and symptoms of pancytopenia are categorized into generalized symptoms and severe symptoms. Either of them can occur sporadically or on a daily basis. The generalized symptoms include:

• Bleeding gums
• Bleeding of the internal organs
• Inexplicable bleeding
• Nosebleeds
• Pale skin or pastiness
• Formation of rashes
• Easy bruising
• Skin discoloration
• Loss of strength or weakness
• Exhaustion or fatigue
• Tachycardia or rapid heartbeat
• Frequent infections
• Shortness of breath

4. Pancytopenia causes:
An estimated 50 percent of pancytopenia cases are idiopathic, wherein the precise cause is not known.
Pancytopenia can be caused due to intake of certain medications, inherited causes, or contact with environmental toxins like arsenic or radiation.
The condition is also related to occurrence of autoimmune diseases wherein the immune system erroneously recognizes healthy body tissues to be toxins or alien matter and then attacks them.
Uncommonly, pregnancy can cause autoimmune reactions which can then activate pancytopenia.

S: 1. MOSBY (last access: 2 December 2014). 2. PMC – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3118050/ (last access: 4 December 2014). 3 & 4. MT – http://medicaltreasure.com/pancytopenia/ (last access: 4 December 2014).

SYN:
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CR: HIV