Clinicohematologic analysis of pancytopenia: Study in a tertiary care centre

Background and aim: A study was carried out to analyze the presentation, to identify the causes and to find out the bone marrow morphology in cases of pancytopenia. Pancytopenia was an indication for bone marrow examination in 48 out of a total of 100 cases (48%) for which a bone marrow examination was requested. Methods: The data regarding the various signs and symptoms, the causes and the bone marrow findings were obtained and analyzed using simple statistical methods. All age groups were included for the study. Results: Generalized weakness (70.83%) was the commonest symptom and pallor (45.83%) was the predominant sign. Anisocytosis (79.1%) was the most important peripheral blood finding in pancytopenic patients followed by microcytosis (52.08%). The commonest cause of pancytopenia in the present study was hypoplastic marrow (33.33%), followed by normoblastic erythroid hyperplasia (27.08%), megaloblastic marrow (18.75%), and myelodysplastic syndrome (8.33%). Normal bone marrow and dry tap accounted for three cases each (6.25%). Of the various cases of myelodysplastic syndrome, one was refractory anemia; two were refractory cytopenia with multilineage dysplasia and one myelodysplastic syndrome unclassified. Dry tap was seen in three cases of pancytopenia. Bone marrow biopsy was done in one, which showed features of myelofibrosis. Conclusions: A thorough evaluation of the pancytopenic patients is necessary as it has varied causes.