Temporal clustering of transient erythroblastopenia (cytopenia) of childhoood

Abstract

A temporal cluster of four cases of transient childhood erythroblastopenia is described. In all cases there was an associated transient neutropenia and in one case a transient mild thrombocytopenia. In all cases reticulo‐endothelial iron overload was a prominent feature but there was no evidence of a pre‐existing chronic haemolytic state. All children made a full recovery with only supportive treatment, although in three cases blood transfusion was necessary.

Pure Red Cell Aplasia in Childhood and Adolescence: Pathogenesis and Approaches to Diagnosis

“…It can occur in siblings simultaneously (Labotka et al 1981 ;Glader, 1983: Seip, 1982 and in seasonal 'clusters' from June to October and from November to March (Kubic rt al. 1979;Bhambhani et al, 1988;Hays et al, 1989: Beresford & MacFarlane, 1987. Of concern are the transient neurological changes that can occur with TEC which appear to be linked to the disorder (Young et al, 1983: Green et al, 1986: Michelson & Marshall, 1987.…”