459The contribution of side effects of drug treatment to overall impairment should also be considered.

459     The contribution of side effects of drug treatment to overall impairment should also be considered.

460     The same principle applies to other conditions of the haematopoietic system where organ systems are impaired by the disease process and impairment can be assessed using other chapters of the guide.

461     For the purposes of Table 13.2: Leukocyte abnormalities or disease, activities of daily living are those in Figure 13-A.

Figure 13-A: Activities of daily living

| Physical activity | Standing, sitting, reclining, walking, stooping, squatting, kneeling, reaching, bending, twisting, leaning, carrying, lifting, pulling, pushing, climbing, exercising. |

Table 13.2: Leukocyte abnormalities or disease

See notes to Table 13.2 for further information.

| %WPI | Criteria (all required) | | 0 | Signs of leukocyte abnormality but no symptoms.<br>No or infrequent treatment needed.<br>All the activities of daily living can be performed. | | 10 | Signs and symptoms of leukocyte abnormality.<br>Infrequent treatment needed.<br>Almost all the activities of daily living can be performed. | | 20 | Signs and symptoms of leukocyte abnormality.<br>Continuous or regular treatment needed.<br>Most of the activities of daily living can be performed. | | 30 | Signs and symptoms of leukocyte abnormality.<br>Continuous or regular treatment needed.<br>Interference with the performance of the activities of daily living to the extent that some assistance from others is required. | | 50 | Signs and symptoms of leukocyte abnormality.<br>Continuous or regular treatment needed.<br>Interference with the performance of the activities of daily living to the extent that considerable assistance from others is required. | | 70 | Signs and symptoms of leukocyte abnormality.<br>Continuous or regular treatment needed.<br>Interference with the performance of the activities of daily living to the extent that continuous assistance from others is required. | | 80 | Signs and symptoms of leukocyte abnormality.<br>Continuous or regular treatment needed.<br>Totally dependent on others for performance of all activities of daily living. |

Notes to Table 13.2

1. ‘Assistance’ means the immediate presence of a suitable person, responsible in whole or in part for the care of the employee.

13.3   Haemorrhagic disorders and platelet disorders

462     Thrombocytopenia does not constitute an impairment unless severe and not reversible by steroids, splenectomy, or other therapy.

463     A bleeding disorder that causes problems only after trauma or surgery does not constitute a permanent bleeding impairment.