Etiology of Pancytopenia: An Observation from a Referral Medical Institution of Eastern Region of India

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Pancytopenia is a relatively common hematological condition, the etiological factors of which vary widely in different geographic location. Determining the specific etiology is of immense importance for appropriate management. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to delineate etiological factors leading to pancytopenia in a Tertiary Care Hospital of West Bengal from Eastern Region of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted for a period of 2 years in which 248 patients were included. After obtaining a relevant clinical history, physical examination was done followed by complete blood count including peripheral blood smears examination, relevant biochemical, and radiological investigations. Afterward, bone marrow aspiration and biopsy were performed and microscopically examined. RESULTS: Among 248 patients studied, 156 (62.9%) were males and 92 (37.09%) were females. The mean age of the patients was 33 years. Aplastic anemia was the most common cause of pancytopenia that was observed in 83 cases (33.47%) followed by megaloblastic anemia in 52 cases (20.97%), leishmaniasis in 34 patients (13.71%), hypersplenism also in 34 patients (13.71%), and tuberculosis and other connective tissue disorders in 18 cases (7.26%). The occurrence of aplastic anemia was statistically significant in pediatric (≤15 years) age group. CONCLUSION: Aplastic anemia was found to be the most common cause of pancytopenia in this study, which is in contrast to studies conducted from other regions of India. Delineation of etiologies of pancytopenia in various regions can help in defining diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, which is expected to contribute toward the better management of such patients.