A 30-year-old woman with long-standing systemic lupus erythematosus presents with increasing fatigue and joint pains. Laboratory tests show haemoglobi...

Question

A 30-year-old woman with long-standing systemic lupus erythematosus presents with increasing fatigue and joint pains. Laboratory tests show haemoglobin 85 g/L, leukocytes 3.0 × 10⁹/L and platelets 90 × 10⁹/L. Peripheral smear confirms pancytopenia. What is the most appropriate next step in evaluation?

Accepted Answer

Order bone marrow biopsy to evaluate for bone marrow failure or haematologic malignancy

Answer

Attribute cytopenias to lupus flare and observe

Answer

Increase NSAID therapy

Answer

Prescribe iron supplementation

Answer

No further tests are required

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Pancytopenia