A comprehensive investigation into the underlying factors of complete blood element deficiency in Syria's coastal region
When the body's resistance weakens, and when a person experiences unexplained fatigue and frequent bleeding, pancytopenia may be the common factor behind these concerning symptoms. This condition, known as "pancytopenia," represents a complex medical mystery where the numbers of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets all decrease simultaneously.
In the Syrian city of Latakia, a medical team solved this mystery through an investigative study that is the first of its kind in the region, revealing surprising causes behind this condition, with results that differ from what is known in other parts of the world. What are the secrets of this condition? And what did this important study reveal?
Pancytopenia is not a disease in itself, but rather an indicator of underlying diseases in the body. It is a condition where the numbers of the three main blood cells decrease:
Responsible for transporting oxygen to body tissues
First line of defense against infection and inflammation
Responsible for blood clotting and preventing bleeding
This condition is diagnosed through a simple test called "Complete Blood Count (CBC)" which measures the levels of these components in the blood 7 . When all of them are low, the physician faces a medical mystery that requires careful investigation to determine the underlying cause of this deficiency.
The investigative study conducted at Al-Assad and Tishreen University Hospitals in Latakia included 113 patients diagnosed with pancytopenia between 2015-2016 1 . The medical team followed a precise, multi-step methodology that included:
Comprehensive medical history taken for each patient
Accurate clinical examination to detect any abnormal signs
Including complete blood count with peripheral blood smear, reticulocyte count, liver function tests, prothrombin time, hepatitis B and C tests, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 1
Such as abdominal ultrasound 1
Performed for all patients 1
For cases that required it 1
This comprehensive methodology allowed researchers to accurately diagnose the precise causes of pancytopenia with high precision.
| Diagnostic Tool | Function and Purpose |
|---|---|
| Complete Blood Count (CBC) | Measuring levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets 4 |
| Peripheral Blood Smear | Studying the shape and nature of blood cells under a microscope 1 |
| Bone Marrow Aspiration | Assessing the condition and cellularity of the bone marrow 1 |
| Bone Marrow Biopsy | Obtaining a tissue sample from the bone marrow for histological study 1 |
| Abdominal Ultrasound | Assessing spleen and liver size and detecting any abnormalities 1 |
| Biochemical Tests | Evaluating liver and kidney functions 1 |
The study revealed surprising results, some of which align with global studies, while others show geographical and demographic specificity worthy of contemplation.
It was noted that incidences in females were slightly higher than in males 1 .
Elderly individuals (60 years and older) were the most vulnerable to pancytopenia 1 .
The importance of this study lies in it being the first of its kind in the region to comprehensively address the causes of pancytopenia. It showed that geographical distribution significantly affects the causes of this condition, as the results differ from those recorded in other countries 1 .
The high percentage of infiltrative lesions - which include cancers that invade bone marrow - requires further research and attention at the public health level.
The high percentage of infectious lesions reflects the importance of infectious diseases as a causative factor for blood problems in the region.
The researchers emphasize that detailed medical history and accurate clinical examination with basic hematological investigations provide valuable information and help in systematic planning of additional tests needed to diagnose the cause of pancytopenia 1 .
To understand the severity of pancytopenia, it is important to know the normal levels of these elements:
| Blood Component | Normal Value for Men | Normal Value for Women |
|---|---|---|
| Red Blood Cells | 4.5 - 5.7 million cells/μL | 3.9 - 5.03 million cells/μL 4 |
| Hemoglobin | 13.2 - 16.6 g/dL | 11.6 - 15 g/dL 7 |
| Hematocrit | 38.3% - 48.6% | 35.5% - 44.9% 7 |
| White Blood Cells | 3.4 - 9.6 billion cells/L | 3.4 - 9.6 billion cells/L 7 |
| Platelets | 135 - 317 billion/L | 157 - 371 billion/L 7 |
This important study in Latakia revealed new facts about pancytopenia, showing that infiltrative lesions - especially malignant diseases - are the main cause in the region, followed by infectious lesions and then megaloblastic anemia.
These results not only help physicians improve diagnosis and treatment pathways but also open the door for further research to understand the geographical and environmental factors that affect the distribution of blood diseases in Syria.
The study confirms that accurate diagnosis always begins with comprehensive medical history and accurate clinical examination, followed by well-considered laboratory and radiological investigations, as understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment.