pancytopenia

pathology

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Pancytopenia is a condition characterized by an abnormal reduction in all three types of blood cells: red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets. This reduction means the bone marrow is not producing enough of these essential cells.12

Aplastic anemia is one cause of pancytopenia, where the bone marrow fails to produce adequate blood cells. This can result from exposure to certain drugs, chemicals, or ionizing radiation, though in about half of cases, the cause is unknown. Symptoms can include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, and increased susceptibility to infection and bleeding.2

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aplastic anemia
…form of the disease called pancytopenia, or there may be a lack of one or more cell types. Rarely, the disease may be congenital (Fanconi anemia); more commonly, it is acquired by exposure to certain drugs (e.g., the antibiotic chloramphenicol) or chemicals (e.g., benzene) or to ionizing radiation. About half…
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…form of the disease called pancytopenia, or there may be a lack of one or more cell types. Rarely, the disease may be congenital (Fanconi anemia); more commonly, it is acquired by exposure to certain drugs (e.g., the antibiotic chloramphenicol) or chemicals (e.g., benzene) or to ionizing radiation. About half…
Read More