Types and outcomes of cytopenia in critically ill patients

Cytopenia is common complication in critically ill patients. Aim: Incidence and pattern of different types of cytopenia as well as its impact on mortality and length of stay in critically ill patients were evaluated. Methods: Critically ill patients with any kind of cytopenia for more than 2 days were evaluated. Results: Anemia was the most common type of cytopenia in the patients (99.14%), followed by lymphocytopenia (32.17%), thrombocytopenia (27.82%), and leukopenia (19.13%). Mortality rate was significantly higher in patients with anemia (p < 0.0001), thrombocytopenia (p < 0.0001), leukopenia (p < 0.0001), neutropenia (p = 0.004), lymphopenia (p = 0.002) and pancytopenia (p < 0.0001). Higher duration of anemia, lymphopenia and thrombocytopenia were associated with longer intensive care unit stay (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Among all assessed variables, incidence of thrombocytopenia could independently predict the mortality.