Publication:

Clinical profile and etiological causes of pancytopenia: a study in a tertiary care hospital

Background Pancytopenia is a condition which involves the presence of anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Symptoms of pancytopenia include fatigue, bleeding, dyspnea, and increased tendency to infections. The evaluation of pancytopenia is by complete blood picture and peripheral blood smear including that of reticulocytes. Bone marrow examination is extremely helpful.

Methods Demographic details were collected from all the patients and  physical examination was done. The patients were asked to undergo biochemical investigations, chest X rays and USG of abdomen. Smears were taken from peripheral blood as well as bone marrow biopsy and stained. Invasive procedure such as bone marrow biopsy is done if needed.

Results A predominance of males was seen over females and 11-30 years age group was the most affected. The most common cause was megaloblastic anemia followed by aplastic anemia and tuberculosis. The most common symptom were fatigue, dyspnea, fever and bleeding.

Conclusion Early identification of this disease would help in early planning for management thereby improving the survival rates.