THe following anti-HIV drugs are known to
cause
“BONE MARROW
SUPPRESSION”
Bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue found inside
the bones. Bone marrow in the hips, breast bone, spine, ribs and skull contain
cells that produce the body's blood cells.
Bone marrow is responsible for the development and storage of about 95
percent of the body's blood cells.
The three main
types of blood cells produced in the bone marrow include:
·
Red blood cells (erythrocytes)—carry oxygen to the
tissues in the body
·
White blood cells (leukocytes)—help fight infections
and to aid in the immune system, and;
·
Platelets (helps with blood clotting.
Each of these
cells carries a life-maintaining function. The bone marrow is a vital part of the
human body.
Because bone
marrow is the manufacturing engine for blood cells, bone
marrow suppression
causes a
deficiency of blood cells. This condition can quickly lead to:
·
Life-threatening infections (the body
cannot defend itself from bacteria and viruses)
·
Anemia (lack of red blood cells)
·
Spontaneous severe bleeding (due to
deficiency of platelets)
