A patient shows lower than normal cell counts. What is a likely cause?

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Multiple Choice

A patient shows lower than normal cell counts. What is a likely cause?

Cytopenia, or lower-than-normal cell counts, can arise when the blood contains an abnormal buildup of proteins that disrupt hematopoiesis. A protein buildup in plasma—hyperproteinemia—often accompanies conditions where marrow is challenged or infiltrated by abnormal immunoglobulins produced by plasma cells. This excess protein burden can crowd out normal marrow activity, reducing the production of red cells, white cells, and platelets. In contrast, dehydration concentrates blood and can raise counts, vitamin C deficiency does not directly cause a drop in CBC counts, and increased RBC production would raise counts. Therefore, protein buildup best explains the observed low counts.

Cytopenia, or lower-than-normal cell counts, can arise when the blood contains an abnormal buildup of proteins that disrupt hematopoiesis. A protein buildup in plasma—hyperproteinemia—often accompanies conditions where marrow is challenged or infiltrated by abnormal immunoglobulins produced by plasma cells. This excess protein burden can crowd out normal marrow activity, reducing the production of red cells, white cells, and platelets. In contrast, dehydration concentrates blood and can raise counts, vitamin C deficiency does not directly cause a drop in CBC counts, and increased RBC production would raise counts. Therefore, protein buildup best explains the observed low counts.

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