Mild normochromic, normocytic anemia, leukocytosis and thrombocytosis are common non-specific features of both acute and chronic inflammation. Cytopenias, in various combinations, are features of some multi-system connective diseases, particularly patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Other abnormalities in CBC are unusual features of rheumatic diseases such as neutropenia (Felty's syndrome) and hemolytic anemia (SLE). Routine CBC at baseline and at regular intervals is essential for monitoring toxicity to various drugs, such as blood loss due to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and marrow-suppression due to drugs such as gold, methotrexate and cyclophosphamide.

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