Alternative names: Myelosuppression
Bone Marrow Suppression is a reduction in the activity of the bone marrow, which is the thick liquid inside some of the bones that produces blood cells. The result is a reduction in red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection), and/or platelets (which control bleeding).
Symptoms of bone marrow suppression depend on the type(s) of blood cell deficiency.
Reduced red blood cells produce classic anemia symptoms:
Reduced white blood cells produce classic symptoms of a weak immune system:
Reduced platelets produce classic excess bleeding symptoms:
Aside from specific medications aimed at stimulating the bone marrow, the following advice should be followed if possible:
Bone marrow suppression can lead to anemia, fatigue, infection, and bleeding.
Lymphocytes are made in the bone marrow, so when the bone marrow isn't functioning properly, lymphocyte counts can drop.
Nearly all chemotherapy cause a short-term reduction in bone marrow function.
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