Bone marrow suppression
Bone Marrow Suppression
Bone marrow suppression (pronunciation: /boʊn ˈmær.oʊ səˈprɛʃ.ən/) is a serious medical condition characterized by decreased production of blood cells in the bone marrow. This condition can lead to anemia, infections, and excessive bleeding due to low levels of red and white blood cells and platelets.
Etymology
The term "bone marrow suppression" is derived from the English words "bone", "marrow" (meaning the soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones), and "suppression" (meaning to stop or reduce).
Symptoms
Symptoms of bone marrow suppression can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the type of blood cells affected. They may include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath (due to anemia), frequent infections (due to low white blood cell count), and easy bruising or bleeding (due to low platelet count).
Causes
Bone marrow suppression is often caused by certain types of chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer. Other causes may include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of bone marrow suppression typically involves blood tests to measure the levels of red and white blood cells and platelets. In some cases, a bone marrow biopsy may be performed to examine the bone marrow under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment for bone marrow suppression depends on the underlying cause and may include discontinuing the causative medication, blood transfusions, or medications to stimulate the bone marrow to produce more blood cells.
Related Terms
- Anemia: A condition characterized by a deficiency of red cells or of haemoglobin in the blood.
- Leukopenia: A decrease in the number of white blood cells in the blood.
- Thrombocytopenia: A condition characterized by abnormally low levels of platelets in the blood.
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