As I understand it Pancytopenia is either a hereditary condition or one brought about by treatment, mainly chemotherapy or related treatments. I have had a serious blood problem since early childhood… my treatments and medicines have been varied and sometimes exotic and along with Leukemia, Sickle-Cell Anaemia, and Sideroblastic Anaemia, Pancytopenia was one of the options considered.
It turned out to be a hereditary condition handed down from my Romany ancestors and was held in check by something as simple as Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) and according to my consultant totally non-related to my MM. Anaemia 'Better Medicine' explains it thus:
[quote]Pancytopenia is a deficiency of all types of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. It occurs when your body cannot produce enough blood cells because the bone marrow stem cells that form blood cells do not function normally. Pancytopenia has widespread effects on the entire body by leading to oxygen shortage as well as problems with immune function. Aplastic anemia is a medical term that refers to a decrease in production of all types of blood cells.
Pancytopenia occurs in two forms: idiopathic, in which the cause is not known, but is often autoimmune, meaning that the body attacks its own tissues as foreign substances; and secondary, often caused by environmental factors. Approximately half of all pancytopenia cases are idiopathic. In other cases, viral infections, radiation or chemotherapy treatments, drug reactions, and exposure to toxins may precipitate the development of pancytopenia.[/quote]
In Keith's case I imagine the second cause most likely… and can most likely be treated by the medics. If medicine caused it then surely medicine can change and cure it.
I wish you the best Keith and hopefully you will be able to report back soon with some good news.:-)
Dai.
KeithH17 12 years, 5 months ago.
