PANCYTOPENIA: MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA IS STILL THE COMMONEST CAUSE

Objectives: To find out the frequency of the different causes of Pancytopenia and also to specifically detect the percentage of vitamin B 12 deficieny amongst these patients. Methodology: It is a prospective study carried out in Medical Unit I (Ward 5) of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre Karachi from March to August 2007. A total of 88 patients were included after a detailed history and examinations the information was recorded on Proforma. Findings of aspiration and trephine biopsies were interpreted in the light of history, clinical examination and peripheral blood findings. Results: Out of 88 patients suffering from Pancytopenia, a large number (40.90%) were diagnosed as Megaloblastic Anemia, out of which 77.77 % had vitamin B12 deficiency. Aplastic anemia was found in 28 (31.88%) patients followed by other less common causes. Conclusion: Megaloblastic anemia was found in largest number of patients who were found to have Pancytopenia on initial investigations and majority of such patients were found to be deficient in Vitamin B 12 .