A clinicohematological evaluation of pancytopenia in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to study the incidence of the underlying etiology of pancytopenia presenting at our institution with a clinical and hematological correlation. Materials and Methods: A prospective study of 12 months′ duration was carried out, which included patients of all age groups. Of the 60 patients presenting with pancytopenia, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were done on 30 cases, after taking an informed consent. Patients who had received previous blood transfusion and were on chemo- and radiotherapy were excluded. A detailed clinical examination of all cases was carried out. Results: The most common etiology of pancytopenia in our study was normoblastic erythroid hyperplasia (30%), followed by megaloblastic anemia (20%). This was followed by acute myeloid leukemia (13.3%) and closely by micronormoblastic erythroid maturation (10%) and miscellaneous etiologies. Conclusion: The varied causes of pancytopenia can be attributed to the geographic area, genetic differences, stringency of diagnostic criteria, and differences in the methodology used. There are varying trends in its clinical pattern, treatment modalities, and outcomes. The severity of pancytopenia and the underlying pathology determines the management and prognosis. Thus, identification of the correct cause will help in implementing the appropriate therapy.

Keywords

• Megaloblastic anemia
• normoblastic erythroid hyperplasia
• pancytopenia