Investigating the Clinico-Etiological Profile of Pediatric Pancytopenia: A Prospective Study in a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Background A decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets is known as pancytopenia, and it is frequently caused by a variety of illnesses such as bone marrow failure, malnutrition, infections, autoimmune diseases, or blood malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hematological, clinical, and causative aspects of pancytopenia in children ranging in age from one month to 18 years. Methodology At the Department of Pediatrics, a 12-month prospective observational research involving 70 pediatric patients with pancytopenia was carried out. Documentation included demographic information, clinical manifestations, history of vaccinations, and particular disease features. The study evaluated the frequency of several reasons (autoimmune, neoplastic, nutritional, infectious, and others) that lead to pancytopenia. Results The mean age of the 70 patients was 5.08 ± 3.22 years, comprising 30 males (42.86%) and 40 females (57.14%). Fever (50 cases, 71.43%), arthralgias (39 cases, 55.71%), weight loss (11 cases, 15.71%), and failure to thrive (13 cases, 18.57%) were among the most common symptoms. Examinations of the bone marrow revealed that 29 patients (41.43%) had aplastic alterations, 20 patients (28.57%) had hyperplastic abnormalities, and 21 patients (30%) had normal cellularity. Fourteen patients (20%) had nutritional reasons, mostly megaloblastic anemia, and six patients (8.57%) suffering from neoplastic disorders had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Hemolytic anemia, parvovirus B19, miliary tuberculosis (TB), aplastic anemia, and systemic lupus erythematosus were among the other noteworthy etiologies. Conclusion Many cases of pediatric pancytopenia in the region are preventable. Greater awareness and appropriate diagnostic strategies are crucial for the early identification and management of these conditions.