A Clinico Haematological Study of Pancytopenia

Abstract

Background: Pancytopenia is a common haematological entity characterized by anemia, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Various serious and life threatening illnesses ranging from simple drug induced bone marrow hypoplasia, megaloblastic marrow to fatal bone marrow aplasia and leukemias have pancytopenia common in them. The severity of pancytopenia and the underlying pathology determines the management and prognosis. Thus, identification of the correct cause will help in implementing appropriate therapy. Present study was conducted to assess the etiology, clinical profile and bone marrow morphology of pancytopenia. Objective:  To study the incidence and evaluate the etiological causes of pancytopenia in patient from age group 2 to 70 years.  To study their clinico-haematological profile Methods: The study was conducted at our Department of Pathology at Dhiraj Hospital, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, Vadodara, from January 2016 to September 2017. Total 114 pancytopenia patients were studied to determine their clinical features, peripheral smear study and bone marrow morphology. The etiological pattern was assessed through relevant investigations in the respective patients. Results: Out of 114 cases, megaloblastic anemia was the most common cause of pancytopenia (65.8%). The commonest age group was 11-20 years and more common in males. Pallor was the most common symptom and XII generalized weakness as the most common sign. Conclusion: If a patient presents with unexplained anemia, bleeding tendencies and prolonged fever then pancytopenia may be suspected. Detailed history and thorough examination with hematological examination along with bone marrow should be done. This will help in early and proper diagnosis of case followed by proper treatment.