Cytopenia means that you have low levels of red blood cells (anemia), white blood cells (leukopenia) or platelets (thrombocytopenia). Cytopenia also includes pancytopenia, which means all of your blood cell levels are low. Causes may be genetic or acquired. Depending on the cause, you may or may not need treatment.
Cytopenia is low levels of certain blood cells. You have three blood cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets.
Your specific type of cytopenia depends on which blood cell counts are low.
Other classifications describe cytopenia based on what’s causing it:
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Symptoms vary depending on which blood cells are low, how low your levels are and the condition causing low blood cell counts. Some people don’t notice symptoms. Instead, they learn about their low levels from blood test results.
Symptoms of anemia include:
Signs of leukopenia/neutropenia include:
Symptoms of thrombocytopenia include:
The various forms of cytopenia have multiple potential causes. In general, they involve problems with blood cell production in your bone marrow. Or you may have a condition that destroys your blood cells after your bone marrow releases them into your bloodstream.
Causes may be inherited (something you’re born with) or acquired (something you develop over time).
Most cases of anemia involve nutritional deficiencies, especially iron deficiency (iron-deficiency anemia). Your bone marrow needs certain nutrients to make healthy red blood cells, including iron, vitamin B12 and folate. Deficiencies can lead to low counts. Blood loss and conditions that destroy your red blood cells can also cause anemia.
Conditions associated with anemia include:
Cancer treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation, is one of the most common causes of low white blood cell counts. These treatments kill cancer cells but can kill some healthy cells (like blood cells) as a side effect.
Conditions associated with low white blood cell counts include:
Conditions associated with thrombocytopenia include:
Sometimes, healthcare providers can’t determine what’s causing low blood cell counts. These cytopenias fall into one of two categories:
The results of a complete blood count (CBC) can show if you have low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets. A CBC is a standard blood test that provides information about your blood cells. It communicates your blood cell levels and provides information about cell characteristics that may signal certain conditions.
Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to determine what’s causing your cytopenia.
Tests to determine causes may include:
You may need additional lab tests to pinpoint common causes.
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Mild cases of cytopenia that aren’t related to a serious condition or causing symptoms may not require any treatment.
When needed, treatment usually involves addressing the underlying condition that’s causing low levels. For example, if a nutritional deficiency is causing your low levels, your provider may recommend changes to your diet or supplements so you can get the nutrients you need. You may need antibiotics if your low levels arise from an infection.
In more severe cases, you may need treatments that boost your cell levels directly, including:
Some causes, like autoimmune conditions, blood and bone marrow disorders and cancer, aren’t preventable.
You can reduce your risk of certain types of cytopenias by getting the nutrients your body needs to make healthy red blood cells. For example, ensuring you get enough iron in your diet can prevent iron-deficiency anemia.
Limiting alcohol consumption allows your body to more effectively absorb nutrients your body needs to make healthy blood cells. Unhealthy use of alcohol can contribute to low blood counts. Many of these blood abnormalities can resolve by avoiding alcohol.
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Your outlook (prognosis) depends on what’s causing your low levels. For example, addressing a nutritional deficiency can reverse diet-related anemias. Treating or managing an infection can help boost your white blood cell levels if a bacteria or virus is the cause.
Inherited conditions that cause cytopenia, blood and bone marrow conditions and cancers may require more intense treatments. Your healthcare provider may have to monitor your blood cell counts to ensure you have enough blood cells to stay healthy.
Ask your healthcare provider about your prognosis based on what’s causing your cytopenia.
Questions you might want to ask include:
Anemia is one type of cytopenia involving low levels of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Anemia may also involve having low hemoglobin, an essential protein in red blood cells that allows them to transport oxygen.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Cytopenia is an umbrella term for several conditions associated with low blood cell counts, including anemia, leukopenia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia and pancytopenia. Various conditions can cause low counts, and multiple symptoms can result. Ask your healthcare provider if you should be concerned about having low levels of one or more blood cell types. Depending on what’s causing it, you may or may not need treatment. Your provider can advise you.
Last reviewed on 03/30/2023.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy