Bone Marrow Failure Following Severe Injury in Humans

Abstract

Release of immature white blood cells into the circulation may also contribute to a failure to clear infection and an increased propensity to organ failure. Concomitantly, profound changes occur within the bone marrow, which include the increased release of erythroid and myeloid progenitors into the circulation, a decrease in progenitor cell growth within the bone marrow, and an impaired growth of the bone marrow stroma. Erythropoietin levels are preserved following trauma, implying that the persistent anemia of injury is related to the failure of the bone marrow to respond to erythropoietin.