Laboratory findings
- erythrocytes:
- moderate to severe, normochromic, normocytic anaemia
- marked variations in cell size and shape
- elongated, teardrop-shaped erythrocytes (poikilocytes)
- nucleated red cells may be present
- leukoerythroblastosis:
- immature myeloid and erythroid cells
- immature myeloid and erythroid cells
- platelets:
- the platelet count is variable
- thrombocytopaenia develops as the disease progresses
- giant platelets are common
- fragments of megakaryocytes may be present
- leukocytes:
- the white cell count is variable, and may be massively elevated
- a left shifted picture with few immature forms
- basophils are common
- bone marrow:
- there is often a dry tap, requiring a trephine biopsy
- in the early stages, the marrow is hypercellular with a marked increase in megakaryocytes
- later, diffuse fibrosis obliterates normal myeloid elements
- leukocyte alkaline phosphatase is elevated
- erythropoiesis in spleen may be shown by Fe-59 scan
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