Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
pancytopenia
Pronunciation: pan-sigh-toe-PEE-nee-ah
Dangerous reduction in all three major blood cell types: red cells, white cells, and platelets.
Full Definition
Pancytopenia refers to a simultaneous decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets below normal ranges. In pediatric patients, this condition can result from bone marrow failure syndromes, malignancies, infections, or drug toxicity. The condition predisposes children to anemia, increased infection risk, and bleeding complications, requiring immediate medical attention and often hospitalization for supportive care and treatment of the underlying cause.
Usage
Usage note: Single word, no hyphenation. Distinguish from bicytopenia (reduction in two cell lines only).
In Context
- "Laboratory results showed pancytopenia with critically low counts across all cell lines." — Hospital admission note
- "The development of pancytopenia during chemotherapy required immediate treatment modification." — Oncology consultation
Contrasted with
polycythemia
Don't confuse with
bicytopenia
thrombocytopenia