We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Is the Treatment for Pancytopenia?

By Jennifer Long
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 22,321
Share

Pancytopenia is a disease that causes a decrease in blood cells in the body. Red and white blood cells and platelets are not created in bone marrow as they should. As a result, the immune system cannot function properly and oxygen levels drop. There are several treatments for this blood cell deficiency, including immune system–suppressing medications, blood transfusions, and bone marrow or stem cell transplants.

The cause is known to be a malfunction in the cells of bone marrow that create new blood cells. When this occurs, new red and white blood cells or platelets cannot be made. Red blood cells carry important nutrients and oxygen through the body. White blood cells are necessary for the immune system to protect the body, and platelets are responsible for clotting the blood when injuries occur.

A reduction in these important blood cells leaves the body vulnerable to many conditions and illnesses. For this reason, treatment for pancytopenia is necessary. Slightly fluctuating blood cell and platelet counts do not usually require treatment because, although there is a decrease in the number of cells, the body still has some ability to make new cells. Regular testing helps manage blood counts and ensures that, if the condition worsens, treatment efforts can be changed.

Moderate cases of pancytopenia require treatment, but not more complicated treatments. The most common treatment for a moderate case is a blood transfusion. Most patients have recovering blood counts following a transfusion. There are some patients, however, who show only a temporary improvement.

Severe cases of pancytopenia require more complex treatments. Bone marrow and stem cell transplants can restart cell production. These treatments are performed by using the bone marrow or stem cells from a donor who matches the patient. The donor material is given to the patient through an intravenous infusion. Younger patients respond well to these treatments, but older patients may require the aid of medications to jump-start new blood cell growth.

Diagnosing and treating pancytopenia quickly is important. Bleeding can be life threatening and continuous because of the reduction of platelets that allow the blood to clot. Infections, even the simplest ones, can be deadly because there are not enough white blood cells to fight off the infection before it starts to progress out of control. Excessive bleeding and infections can lead to organ damage and even death if they continue to occur without successful treatment.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Related Articles

Discussion Comments
By burcinc — On Jul 20, 2013

@SarahGen-- Actually bone marrow transplant isn't an option unless you have moderate to severe pancytopenia and don't have major health issues (such as liver failure). So someone with mild panyctopenia won't be offered this treatment.

By bear78 — On Jul 20, 2013

@SarahGen-- Everyone responds to treatments differently so you can't know how well the immunossuppressants will work for you until you try them. But immunossuppressants, growth factor therapy and bone marrow transplant are the main treatments for pancytopenia.

By the way, have you been tested for deficiencies? My sister has pancytopenia and anemia. After she was treated with vitamin B12 therapy, her blood cell count went up. Vitamin B12 is actually recommended for everyone with pancytopenia, it really helps.

By SarahGen — On Jul 19, 2013

I have pancytopenia and splenomegaly and my doctor will be starting immunossuppresive therapy (ATG-- antithymocyte globulin-- specifically) soon.

Has anyone gone through this for pancytopenia? Did you have good results?

I actually want a bone marrow transplant and my doctor said that if we don't get good results with ATG, then that will be the next option. Does ATG work? I hope we're not wasting time on something that doesn't work.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-the-treatment-for-pancytopenia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.