What laboratory finding is typical in acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?

In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the typical laboratory finding is pancytopenia. Pancytopenia is characterized by a reduction in the number of all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This result is a consequence of the bone marrow being infiltrated by malignant leukemic cells, which disrupt the normal production of blood cells.

Patients with AML often present with symptoms related to the lack of these blood cells, such as anemia (low red blood cell count), increased risk of infections (low white blood cell count), and bleeding or bruising (low platelet count). This combination of findings leads to the diagnosis of pancytopenia, making it a hallmark feature in cases of acute myeloid leukemia.

While leukopenia, thrombocytosis, and hypercalcemia can occur in different hematologic or systemic conditions, they are not typical findings associated with AML. Hence, pancytopenia serves as a crucial indicator of the disease and its impact on bone marrow function.