Abstract
The concept of Chaos theory is introduced in simple terms and discussed in regard to health and disease. Health is regarded as chaotic, such a system has innate variability imparting the ability to respond to pertubations. In contrast disease is interpreted as a loss of flexibility whereby the physiological system is less able to adapt and respond to external stimuli.
Chaos theory is developed in relation to haematology whereby the healthy bone marrow is perceived as a chaotic system. Periodicity demonstrating a disease state is highlighted in such conditions as cyclic neutropenia, malignancy and periodic thrombocytopenia.
This review serves as a brief introduction to the relatively new theory of chaos. The in-depth mathematical treatment of chaos is beyond the scope of this article, interested parties are directed to the bibliography section for more detailed information.
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Fisher, G.V. An introduction to chaos theory and some haematological applications. Comparative Haematology International 3, 43–51 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394927
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394927