Treatment of busulfan-induced pancytopenia

A patient with busulfan-induced pancytopenia and recurrent, thrombocytopenic bleeding was treated prophylactically with random-donor platelet transfusions and later with HLA-matched platelets from a sibling. The pancytopenia remitted after five months. The course and alternative modes of therapy of busulfan-induced pancytopenia are discussed. This disorder may be reversible if the patient can be supported through an initial period of severe pancytopenia.