Recurrent thrombocytopenia, erythroid hypoplasia and sideroblastic anaemia associated with hypothermia.

A distinct and previously undescribed haematological picture was noted in three patients with hypothermia. During hypothermia there was anaemia with reduced normoblastic erythropoiesis, marked sideroblastic change and thrombocytopenia in the presence of a normal number of megakaryocytes. In two patients as the body temperature returned to normal these changes were slowly reversed. Evidence both from observations in patients and from animal experiments is given why the haematological changes are due to the hypothermia.