Patient selection: severe anorexia nervosa
The pancytopenia is probably multifactorial, including protein malnutrition and deficiency in vitamins and micronutrients.
Clinical and laboratory findings - any combination of:
(1) anemia
(2) neutropenia, which may be associated with sepsis or other infection
(3) thrombocytopenia, with purpura and bleeding
A bone marrow biopsy shows:
(1) gelatinous transformation or fatty infiltration
(2) hypoplasia without dysplasia
The diagnosis is supported by:
(1) exclusion of other causes of pancytopenia
(2) reversal on adequate nutritional replacement
