Causes of Acute Bone Marrow Failure

Potential causes of acute bone marrow failure include acute leukemia, megaloblastic anemia, and toxic effects of heavy metals or radiation. In this Clinical Problem-Solving article, the patient’s acute bone marrow failure was caused by a medication error that led to methotrexate toxicity. However, even low-dose methotrexate can cause myelosuppression, especially in the presence of predisposing factors such as reduced renal function, hypoalbuminemia, and folate deficiency. Polymorphisms in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene may also be a predisposing factor. Additionally, interactions between methotrexate and certain other drugs (such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole) can result in myelosuppression.

Posted by: happie01Posts: 48 :: 05-10-2006 :: | Reply to this Message