A single-center cross-sectional study on the clinical profile of pancytopenia and a novel scoring system for megaloblastic anemia

Abstract

Background: Our study tries to identify the main culprits causing pancytopenia and its typical clinical presentation, along with the clinical and hematological profile of megaloblastic anemia (MGA)-induced pancytopenia, in a tertiary care hospital in western India. Methods: This observational cross-sectional study was carried out on 50 patients diagnosed with pancytopenia in our hospital over 1 year (January 2019–January 2020). A scoring system is also described to distinguish cobalamin deficiency from other etiologies of pancytopenia. Results: MGA due to cobalamin deficiency was the leading cause of pancytopenia. The most frequently seen sign was whiteness, while the most typical symptoms were lethargy, malaise, and generalized weakness. Patients between 20 and 50 years of age were most often affected, with a male predominance being noticed. While blood counts revealed life-threatening anemia in most patients, the leukopenia and thrombocytopenia were not as severe. Conclusion: It was concluded that MGA due to dietary deficiency of Vitamin B12 is the most common etiology for pancytopenia in western India. Our scoring system could be used as an alternative to serum cobalamin tests to diagnose cobalamin deficiency, subject to confirmation in larger populations.

Keywords

• novel scoring
• pancytopenia
• vegetarian diet
• vitamin b12 deficiency