DefinePK

Research Objective

To evaluate and compare common disorders leading to new onset pancytopenia among both genders.

Methodology

Cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Pathology Watim Medical College and Watim General Hospital Rawat from November 2020 to November 2021. 98 adult patients with persistent pancytopenia of one week were included. Blood complete picture with peripheral smears, bone marrow aspiration biopsy, trephine needle biopsy, and cytochemical staining were performed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 22.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Study Initiation: Cross-sectional study design"] --> B["Patient Recruitment: 98 adult patients with persistent pancytopenia"];
    B --> C["Data Collection: Blood complete picture, peripheral smears, bone marrow aspiration biopsy, trephine biopsy, cytochemical staining"];
    C --> D["Data Analysis: SPSS version 22, frequencies, percentages, means, cross-tabs, chi-square"];
    D --> E["Result Interpretation"];
    E --> F["Conclusion and Discussion"];                    

Discussion

The spectrum of pancytopenia etiologies varies globally. Nutritional deficiencies (folate and vitamin B12) leading to megaloblastic anemia are highly prevalent in South Asia due to dietary habits. Aplastic anemia is more common in males, potentially due to higher exposure to chemicals. Infectious diseases are a significant contributor in Pakistan. Leukemias and myelodysplastic syndromes are more prevalent in males. Rare causes like Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, Gaucher's disease, and Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type 2 were also identified.

Key Findings

Megaloblastic anemia was the major cause of pancytopenia (43.8%), with a female predominance. Aplastic anemia (17.3%) was the second most common cause, with a male predominance. Portal hypertension induced splenomegaly was observed in 13.2% of patients. Infectious diseases accounted for 7%, leukemia for 5.1%, and Myelodysplastic syndromes for 3.1%.

Conclusion

Megaloblastic anemia is the primary cause of pancytopenia in females, while aplastic anemia is the leading cause in males in the studied population. Portal hypertension induced splenomegaly and infectious diseases are also significant contributors.

Fact Check

1. Number of patients: 98 adult patients with persistent pancytopenia were included in the study.
2. Major cause of pancytopenia: Megaloblastic anemia was found in 43.8% of patients.
3. Second major cause of pancytopenia: Aplastic anemia was found in 17.3% of patients.

Mind Map